Dear Members,

I would like to inform you of a change in procedure regarding the application of Middle Leaders for the BSME Penta Accreditation courses. As you are aware, these courses were originally aimed at senior leaders in BSME schools. Last year we opened them up to Middle Leaders where Principals/Heads considered that they have sufficient experience and responsibility (usually a whole-school area of responsibility) to make them ready to undertake the course. There was a separate application form for middle leaders and each application was considered on a case-by-case basis by a member of the Executive Committee.

Due to the fact that the courses have proved so popular and are considered excellent stand-alone CPD, the BSME Executive Committee has decided to open the courses up to all middle leaders, under the following guidelines:

• BSME/PENTA will run the same Part 1 and Part 2 courses for all . The courses will be mixed - all Principals/Heads, Second Tier Colleagues, Middle Leaders
• The restriction to MLs as the lowest level will still apply but they won't need to have whole school responsibilities and will not be eligible to take Part 3
• Successfully completing the first two parts will train/qualify (in BSME terms) a person to be an "internal inspector" for their own schools
• Part 3 (where those that have successfully completed Parts 1 and 2 go into schools to train to become a BSME accreditor) however, will only be available to Assistant Heads and upwards (i.e. whole school leaders)
• A Middle Leader who has done Parts 1 and 2 could, if they gain promotion to a whole-school level within three calendar years of completing Part 2, then go on to do Part 3 and become a fully-fledged BSME accreditor
• Since it is difficult to state precisely what constitutes a middle leader (it will vary depending upon size of school and a variety of other factors), the Principal, Head, Line manager or CPD Leader in the school should decide who is ready for the course.

We feel this is a positive and inclusive decision that will benefit individual professional development as well as BSME member schools.

Please go to 'Programme and Courses' for more information about BSME/PENTA Accreditaiton courses running this year and next.