Federation of Derbyshire Special Schools

The ten special schools in Derbyshire, two special schools in Staffordshire and the Derbyshire Support Centre (PRUs) have formed a soft federation. The legal collaboration agreement for year 2 was signed in March 2017. The primary aim is to work towards developing strategic approaches to the long and short term challenges that affect Special Education providers in an ever changing local, regional and national landscape. We aim to work with an ethos that values collaborative thinking, resourcing and knowledge but still recognises and reflects the uniqueness of each school and the pupils and families we serve.

Simply, we want to improve the outcomes for all our pupils.

What will this look like in the school?

• Headteachers will work collaboratively in order to offer supportive challenge, and indicate a range of peer to peer support.

How will this ensure we can be better?

• Appropriate staff training tailored meet the needs of our pupils.
• By ensuring sharing of expertise and good practice.
• By allowing us to better use resources (both educational and support services).
• By ensuring governors working collaboratively to understand the settings and drive improvement by sharing practice.

Matrix Teaching School Alliance

One of the FDSS schools - Swanwick School and Sports College, is the lead for the Matrix Teaching School Alliance (TSA).

The FDSS is part of the TSA and the aim is to work in partnership with Derby University to identify and support future teachers to work in special schools.

See the Matrix TSA website for more information.