Achievement through Well-Being Award Frequently Asked Questions
(Previously known as the ECM Standards Award)

Is the Achievement Through Well-being Award appropriate for our setting?
Yes.  The award process is appropriate to use in a range of educational settings such as children’s centres, early years settings, maintained and independent mainstream and special primary, secondary and all age schools, academies, free schools, PRUs and FE colleges.

What does the Achievement through Well-Being Award process entail?
The Achievement through Well-Being Standards offer a robust self-evaluation and evidence gathering framework covering twelve aspects that meet external accountability requirements.  These are:

1. Ethos
2. Policy
3. Environment
4. Leadership and Management
5. Personalised learning
6. Curriculum entitlement, access and choice
7. Presence, participation and personal development
8. Partnership with parents/carers and families
9. Multi-agency working
10. Community
11. Transition and Transfer
12. Professional development

Each Standard comprises of an overarching statement of intent, with a series of evidence descriptors that enable any education setting to make a ‘best fit’ judgement about their current policy and practice, as well as identifying areas for further improvement.

What evidence will we need?
You will need to gather a range of evidence to meet all twelve Standards.  Only one or two pieces of evidence are required per descriptor.  This evidence will highlight significant good and outstanding practice and can include: photographs; multi-media evidence on a pen drive, DVD or CD; key documentation, some of which can be signposted to the organisations website; and data gathered from any stakeholder surveys. 

How long does it take to work towards achieving the award?
There is no imposed set timescale.  The educational setting decides how long to take in working towards achieving the award.  The process usually takes a year, although it can be tailored to suit the context and circumstances of the setting.

Will the award process involve a lot of extra work?
Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions has ensured the self-evaluation and evidence gathering process is manageable as part of everyday practice, by reducing bureaucracy and keeping paperwork to the minimum. 

Will the Achievement through Well-Being Award contribute evidence for external accountability?
Yes.  The award process provides good qualitative ‘real’ telling evidence to support helping children to achieve more.

What support will an educational setting receive throughout the award process?
The publication entitled: ‘How to Achieve the Every Child Matters Standards. A Practical Guide’ is the essential handbook providing the self-evaluation framework and guidance for compiling the Portfolio of Evidence.  You will receive an initial visit, and an interim review of progress, which can be virtual or face-to-face.  A consultant from Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions will provide email and telephone support throughout the process.

Where can you purchase a copy of the handbook from?
You can obtain a copy of the book with accompanying CD from SAGE Publishers by visiting:
www.sagepub.co.uk
You can also download the audit, action plan template and evidence gathering resources from:
http://www.sagepub.co.uk/booksProdSampleMaterials.nav?prodId=Book232057

What does the final external assessment entail?  
The external assessment process comprises of an off-site assessment of the Portfolio of Evidence (of which there should be no more than two folders), followed by a one day on-site assessment to observe practice, and meet with a range of key stakeholders to hear about the good and outstanding policy and practice first hand.

What is the outcome following a successful external assessment?
When all twelve Standards have been met a final written report of findings from the external assessment will be produced.  An Achievement through Well-Being Award glass plaque, framed certificate and a digital logo are awarded.

How long is the Award valid for?
The Achievement Through Well-Being Award is valid for three years, and is renewable after this period for a further three years, following a reassessment.

How can an educational setting register their interest in the award?
If you wish to register for the Achievement through Well-Being Award please go to the ‘Contact Us’ page on this website and use the secure online enquiry form.  Alternatively, you may wish to speak to a consultant direct on 07857 605645.

The massive recent popularity for the international Achievement through Well-Being Award, has resulted in places on the scheme filling up very quickly.  Thus, to avoid any disappointment, please register your interest as soon as possible.

Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions looks forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future.