Every Child Matters (ECM) Solutions rewarding school's ECM good practice

Every child matters (ECM) solutions, one of the UK's leading providers of educational consultancy and training, offers schools and academies the opportunity to achieve a national award in recognition of their good practice in ECM. Founder and director, Rita Cheminais explains how

Published: 18 June, 2009

Over a number of years I have been in the privileged position in my role as an Education adviser for Inclusion, and more recently as a freelance education consultant, to witness first hand good and outstanding practice in the Every Child Matters (ECM) outcomes, existing within early years settings, schools, academies and pupil referral units throughout the UK.

Several headteachers two years ago expressed the desire to have their ECM best practice acknowledged externally, beyond the OFSTED inspection report.

In response to the headteachers wishes, I developed the Every Child Matters Standards, which were published in a book by SAGE Publications in 2007, entitled How to Achieve the Every Child Matters Standards. A Practical Guide. This resource provided the essential handbook and the self-evaluation framework to support the first cohort of education settings, undertaking the Every Child Matters Standards Award, which is endorsed by the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN).

Shortly after the success of the publication of the book, the company Every Child Matters (ECM) Solutions was established. Two years later, and the award is proving to be even more popular. Forward thinking and discerning headteachers wanting to be at the leading edge of contributing to, and promoting pupil well-being in their schools, are discovering that the Every Child Matters Standards are putting their education setting in a very strong position, in readiness for the renewed OFSTED inspection process with its school-level indicators for pupil well-being, and its heightened emphasis on partnerships supporting the delivery of the five Every Child Matters outcomes in schools.

Every Child Matters (ECM) Solutions is totally committed to working with all phases of the education sector in order to assist leaders and managers in improving the ECM outcomes for children and young people, through the delivery of high quality training and consultancy to help build capacity among practitioners in the school's wider Children's Workforce.

As company director, I have an extensive portfolio of experience within the field of education and Every Child Matters. With over thirteen journal articles and books published on the topic; regular seminars and keynote presentations delivered on ECM at international, national and local authority education conferences, as well as involvement in the recent National CAMHS/DCSF National Indicator Project on Emotional Health of Children and Young People, the business is rooted in a secure practical knowledge base.

In September 2009, Every Child Matters (ECM) Solutions is extending its business portfolio by launching the new Multi-agency Partnership Award, which is suitable for children's centres, schools, academies, PRUs and services supporting the delivery of the Every Child Matters outcomes.

I would be willing to deliver a presentation on either or both awards at any forthcoming local authority conferences or Network meetings for headteachers and deputy headteachers.

Every Child Matters (ECM) Solutions, Esplen House, Esplen Avenue, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 2SS.

Telephone: 07857 605645

Email: admin@ecm-solutions.org.uk

www.ecm-solutions.org.uk