Four S Brochure

Operating at the leading edge of education thinking and innovation, Four S is able to provide complete solutions to a wide range of challenges, even those that are deep-rooted and resistant to improvement. We value our reputation for always acting with integrity and in the best interests of children and other learners.

Four S is a partnership between an internationally recognised, leading provider of government services and a successful children’s services authority. This provides a unique combination of the strength of one of the UK’s largest companies and a local authority at the forefront of public sector education provision.

We work with organisations locally, regionally and nationally. Our clients include:

• The Department for Education and Skills - DfES • The Training and Development Agency - TDA • The Learning and Skills Council - LSC • The National College for School Leadership - NCSL • Over 20 local authorities • Over 500 schools and colleges

About Us

�

Complete Solution ProviderFour S is the UK’s largest integrated education consultancy

We are unique in being able to match highly specialised and experienced staff to the specific needs of your organisation. Four S is able to quickly form teams from our permanent staff to offer a complete solution to the challenges faced by our clients. We understand schools, colleges, local authorities and government agencies, and have a proven record of success working at all levels in these organisations.

See page 12 for an overview of the services we offer.

5

iso

Focused on QualityQuality in our people, our relationships and our services

Through the use of formal and informal quality frameworks, Four S is committed to delivering practical solutions to the highest quality standards. In 200�, Four S was singled out for praise in the Ofsted review of ICT Best Practice. We have ISO 9001:2000 certification which ensures we maintain the consistency of our service delivery. We are an Investors in People organisation, which demonstrates our commitment to our staff and their development.

Our very high rate of customer retention indicates that we are a quality organisation.

�

Trusted PartnerWe work as a trusted partner

Our joint venture organisation is a unique public and private partnership, combining the best commercial practice with the understanding and expertise of a successful local authority. Four S has extensive experience of working with organisations at both strategic and implementation levels.

As a result, Four S staff are consistently working in partnerships that are characterised by collaboration, co-operation and cohesive teamwork. For example, working together with Surrey Children’s Services Authority, we help shape education policy and support individual schools with their improvement plans.

�

Acts with IntegrityThe public sector ethos of Four S underpins the commercial relationship of our joint venture organisation. The partnership ensures financial stability and gives us access to a wider range of resources and experience. The vast majority of our staff have worked directly in schools, education departments and other education authorities across the country and bring their passion and commitment for education to their roles. Moreover, a proportion of the company’s profits go to a trust to fund educational projects.

�

Our ValuesOur staff are committed to a clearly defined set of values. We never lose sight of our fundamental purpose - to enable world-class education, enhancing the lives of children and other learners. We are passionate about people: our staff and those with whom we work. We celebrate diversity and promote fulfilment, and are performance driven to ensure that we always deliver quality and the required outcomes. We promote partnerships to achieve the best results through collaboration and sharing expertise. Our staff maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.

9

Local AuthoritiesSupporting policy and implementation

Four S is in a unique position to understand the needs of a local authority, having worked side by side with many such organisations across the country. With our skills and experience, we can support customers from a strategic viewpoint, and provide a wide range of services.

We have established a range of innovative partnerships with other local authorities to enable them to address their priorities and challenges.

10

SchoolsFrom policy to playing fields

Four S is an acknowledged leader in school improvement. We support over 500 schools and colleges with everything from policy development, aimed at improving performance, to giving advice on facilities management. We also provide extensive training for all staff working in schools. Last year, over 22,000 people attended Four S training courses. Moreover, through our work with local authorities and national agencies we are able to prepare our partner schools for change.

Despite the pace of change and the daily challenges schools face, we never forget the key role schools have in inspiring learners to achieve positive outcomes and exceed their expectations.

11

The Four SIntegrated

Approach ToImprovement

Yout

h

Lear

ning

&W

ork-

base

dVo

catio

nalE

duca

tion

CPD

HLTA

Induction

AST

Leadership

& Governance

HR & FinanceConsultancy

Healthy SchoolsPremise

s Manag

emen

t

ICT Inf

rastr

uctur

e

BSF

&A

cade

mie

s

Proc

urem

ent

Exte

nded

Scho

ols

Scho

ols P

lann

ing

Polic

yM

anag

emen

t

Childre

n & Youn

g

Peop

le’sSe

rvice

sTeaching & Lea

rningEnterprise Education

Curriculum

National Strategies

Gifted & Talented

14-19

SEN

ICT

Improving

Behaviour

&A

ttendance

Raisin

g Achievement

Managem

ent

WorkforceDeve

lopm

ent

ExtendedServices

ServicesFour S applies an integrated approach to the services we provide. With our comprehensive range of services, we can always create the most appropriate solution for your organisation.

12

Four S - Facts and Figures• Joint venture partnership between Surrey County Council and VT Group plc• Part of the VT Education and Skills Division, the third-largest education business in the UK, with an annual turnover of more than £100m• Partnership with a CPA Four Star education service• 330 permanent staff; over 1,930 associate consultants• Annual turnover in excess of £20m• Services provided to more than 500 schools and colleges; and over 20 local authorities across the country• Approved ICT consultancy provider status for DfES and Becta• Largest 1�-19 consultancy in the UK• Over �00 NQTs follow our induction framework and are assessed on behalf of our clients annually• Preferred provider of HLTA Assessment in the South East and London regions• Management of the national contract for Advanced Skills Teacher Assessment - over �,500 AST candidates assessed on behalf of the DfES

13

Contact UsFor more information on how Four S can support you, please contact the Business Development Team at:

Four S Head OfficeBay Tree AvenueKingston RoadLeatherheadSurrey KT22 �UE

Tel: 013�2 �3���� x 5003Fax: 013�2 �3�000E-mail: [email protected]: www.fours.co.uk

1�