Education Consultancy, coaching and mentoring

'[Backdrop] worked with Khalsa Academy Trust on a strategic review for SEND processes and provision in our schools for a year long project and demonstrated his excellent knowledge of the subject, [their] ability to adapt strategies to a schools’ context and most importantly how he brings the wider staff along with his improvement agenda. [Backdrop] is highly regarded because of his integrity, hard work and relentless focus on the what’s best for children with barriers to their learning.'

'Our day with {Backdrop] was very useful and has left us with a clear plan regarding our next steps. [Their] work has underpinned much of our recent self-evaluation but added an expert view on how to move things forward. Advice and strategies shared to date have been very useful and Jon was supportive and thought provoking throughout his visit. We very much look forward to the opportunity to work with Jon in the future.

Following our positive Ofsted inspection in 2017 we were keen to continue to drive improvements, especially to have a cohesive system in place to develop our strategic aims and development plans across education, therapy and care provided at St Rose’s for students with physical disabilities and complex health needs. Jon was recommended as someone who might be able to support us, and we were lucky enough to engage his services in 2018. At the beginning he listened to what we wanted and was able to translate our thoughts into a Strategic Plan and corresponding development plans. This has grown over the last 5 years and we now have a clear process that our self-evaluation feeds into as well as performance reviews for all staff. He has helped us to work with education, therapy and care staff to quality assure our offer. As well as this he has helped us to focus our governance and has provided support and training to our governing body. Jon has supported us to keep up to date with changes in legislation and continues to suggest ways that we can make improvements. He continues to challenge us during each visit and there is no doubt that the quality of what we do has improved as a result. This was borne out in a recent care inspection when we received outstanding for leadership and management. We appreciate the approach he takes which is collaborative and non-threatening and supportive, allowing us to develop processes and strategy.

'The day included productive discussions around SEN provision that was developmental and professional. Solutions were suggested based around lines of enquiry that were revisited throughout the day, including the debrief. This focus ensured clear and realistic targets could be set.'

"[Backdrop] was excellent – very easy to work with, humorous and insightful – thanks."