Kenny Frederick is absolutely right (TES, March 16). Heads do have a lot on their plates, and experts should make things easier for them. It is with this in mind that Aspect, the professional association representing independent consultants and school improvement professionals, recently launched a quality assurance framework for independent consultants.
This means that in future heads will be able to employ consultants safe in the knowledge that their work has been independently accredited by one of the leading examining bodies, Edexcel. Consultants will be able to demonstrate that they have the skills to provide the support many headteachers desire.
Given Ms Frederick’s views on government initiatives, it may or may not help her to know that the framework has been publicly encouraged by the Department for Education and Skills, the National Association of Head Teachers and leading education companies.
John Chowcat General Secretary of the Association of Professionals in Education and Children’s Trusts (Aspect), Wakefield
