Initial Needs Analysis

The concept of an Initial Needs Analysis is framed under the concept of carrying out a 'due diligence' exercise. When large companies and corporate entities express an interest in investing in an organisation they will carry out a due diligence exercise in an effort to;

a) gain a greater understanding of the strengths and areas for development of the organisation;

b) identify areas of potential growth; and

c) be clear about key areas for investment or excessive costs.

We recommend a full Initial Needs Analysis (INA) is undertaken by all Headteachers/Principals when they first join a school whether it be an outstanding or school facing challenging circumstances. The INA should then form the basis of all future planning and should be returned to an a regular basis.

Improve Framework users are offered an INA report proforma, which can be found by clicking on the centre of the INA graphic.

Due Diligence

The first step in the IMPROVE™ process is to work out a clear starting point that identifies what is currently working well within an Academy/School, together with what needs to be improved/developed in order to achieve world class standards, achievement and outcomes. Using a range of tools and matrices together with a series of interviews, meetings and discussions, stakeholder's views and perceptions are explored in some depth with a view to answering the following questions:

• Where is the Academy/School now?
• Where does the Academy/School want to be?
• How is it going to get there?
• What is potentially stopping the school from getting there?
• How will the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team know when they are, or have been, successful in raising standards, improving quality of provision and being more effective?
• What happens, or is likely to happen if the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team choose to do nothing or make little change?