Requesting AST Support Locality Based Working Working as a School Based AST Becoming a School Based AST Professional Development Innovative Practice Projects AST & ET Local Authority Newsletters
Advanced Skills Teachers - School Based 
School based ASTs have a key role across the county in supporting the development of teaching and learning in their own and other schools through coaching and mentoring, demonstrating innovative practice, developing and disseminating resources and working alongside teachers to raise standards.
Details of the AST role and accreditation process can be found in the DCFS booklet
Locality Based Working for School Based ASTs
Weald of Kent Business Centre - 15th July 2009Representatives from the six Local Learning Networks met to explore the way forward for Locality based Working for Secondary ASTs and the development of Local AST CPD Networks. Debbie Coslett and Ian Ward from Hayesbrook School provided insight into the pilot project on Locality Based Working while Jonathan Gershon gave the Local Authority perspective. An initial session was held and further planning will take place in Term 1.
Launch of Local School Based AST Network - programme for the day
The ASK Perspective - Powerpoint presentation
The West Kent Learning Federation Pilot - Powerpoint presentation
Examples of documentation used in the pilot will follow shortly.
If a primary school or setting wishes to request AST support, this is brokered through the Primary Excellence Project Headteacher Team (PEP Heads) in each Local Children's Services Partnership (LCSP).
If a secondary school wishes to request AST support, this is brokered through SIP requests to the Secondary Strategy Manager (John Allen – john.allen@kent.gov.uk) who will forward requests to the appropriate Subject Adviser.Enquiries about becoming a school based AST should be directed to the Lead AST for School Based ASTs - Claire Powis (claire.powis@kent.gov.uk)
School based ASTs are expected to spend 20% of their time on AST activities – either inreach or outreach. The proportion of inreach to outreach may vary depending on the particular circumstances of a school or setting, but it is anticipated that the majority of their AST activity will be outreach work.
Work Logs
It is essential that school based ASTs record their work on a work log (see below) and that this is submitted to the Lead AST seasonally (ie three times a year).
Notes of Visit
It is recommended that school based ASTs complete Notes of Visit and circulate them as advised on the Note of Visit.
Evaluation Forms
At the end of a piece of outreach work, ASTs should ask the school to complete an evaluation form for the work that they have undertaken. The completed form should be returned to the AST and their Headteacher and can be used as evidence for performance management.
All school based ASTs are given the opportunity each year to bid for funding to support an innovative practice project. These enable ASTs to explore alternative teaching approaches and develop their own practice further. Examples of projects currently underway are:
Work log blank- Embedding Competency Curriculum into Key Stage 2-3 Transition
- The Story-Teller's Chair
- Sherborne Developmental Movement
- Providing support enabling subject leaders to raise standards in Geography and History
- Does the use of Nintendo DS have a positive effect on pupils’ ability to comprehend AT1 questions in Maths?
- Sweets - a cross curricular project
Details of how to apply for project funding are contained in the following letter and application form:
Some Examples of Successful Applications
ASTs are expected to ensure they are up to date with current educational thinking and approaches. To support this we hold an annual conference for all ASTs and aspiring ASTs, usually held in October.
In addition, we are developing a range of courses during the year to support ASTs in their role in schools. These include Coaching & Mentoring, Assessing Pupil Progress, and ‘Developing your Portfolio’ days for aspiring ASTs.
AST & ET local authority newsletters
Further information on CPD offered by ASK.