Group together for a share of Artis

One of the most efficient ways for children and teachers to experience Artis’ creative learning curriculum is for partnerships of schools to come together and access our services collectively. A package of provision across several schools, or within a local authority or education consortium, is more affordable and can help meet shared needs. This is especially helpful for schools where budgets are under pressure, either because of diverse demands on support services or when pupil roll numbers are small.

Artis management will discuss and then agree with you a tailor-made programme. This may include rotating delivery between schools, or working with children that have similar needs from several schools as one group. Often the offer will include continuous professional development (CPD) sessions for teachers and support staff, or managing extended services such as after-school clubs. The possibilities are as varied as the schools and children themselves. What matters is styling a provision that fulfils, through creative sessions, the educational needs you identify.   Harlow Education Consortium (HEC) is now enjoying the benefits of Artis for the third successive year. It is the largest education partnership in the UK, comprising 50 learning providers. Members include primary and secondary schools, centres for adult and community learning and special support services. Artis’ core provision has taken them into 12 Harlow primary schools, working with four at a time in any one year. Artis has also provided extended services, a series of half-day courses for teachers on drama, music and movement, and dedicated provision for gifted and talented children.   HEC’s Primary Education Improvement Consultant, Jonathan Bond, commented: “We took over managing an excellence cluster of Harlow schools five or six years ago. We agreed we wanted to use our funds to develop a more interesting and creative curriculum, and to improve the opportunities for some gifted and talented children across those schools.   “Harlow was originally a new town, and families moved out in large numbers from the 1950s onwards. Because of changing demographics, many of our schools are smaller than they were previously. Because of this, and HEC's ability to broker services, we find that buying Artis’ services ‘in bulk’ helps us meet the needs of all our consortium primary schools in a cost-efficient way.   “For us, the beauty of Artis is the utter confidence we have in their quality of service. Every Specialist is consistent, reliable, and works to a high standard. It’s obvious that Artis Specialists train thoroughly in areas like behaviour and classroom management techniques. They have a skill base that shines through.   “As an umbrella organisation for so many providers we can’t possibly see every item of work we buy in. Yet each week we have an assurance and peace of mind that with Artis we’re spending our money wisely. We have excellent feedback from all our schools, and the courses Artis runs for teachers is one of the most successful we’ve ever funded.”