For many years in Tower Hamlets, we have recognised the value of quality assurance in OoSHL (Study Support) and the positive impact it has upon the ever-expanding programmes of activities being delivered in non-curriculum time throughout the borough. We believe that the delivery of an OoSHL (Study Support) programme, which is constantly adhering to quality standards, will increase the positive experience of students, OoSHL staff and coordinator involved in the programme. Ultimately we have seen that a quality programme of OoSHL contributes positively to the ethos of the school and the experience of all students and staff within.

For over 5 years, the OoSHL (Study Support) service has supported the work of, what is now, the Quality in Study Support (QiSS) team. The Study Support Code of Practice for schools is promoted alongside the other Codes of Practice, which are for Youth Work and Public Libraries. It is an excellent support for staff in schools and centres who are managing a programme of activities, offering guidance on all aspects of establishing, developing and embedding study support within the school or centre. Furthermore it is a self-evaluation tool, so that even if someone comes to the Code at a later stage, it can be used to reflect upon the current practice existing within their school or centre, and provide the support and inspiration to move the programmes forward.

Alongside the Code of Practice is the opportunity to achieve QiSS recognition (accreditation) for providing a portfolio of evidence in support of the themes set out in the Code, being met by the school or centre. The OoSHL (Study Support) service has worked with a number of schools and centres in Tower Hamlets to achieve QiSS, but is aware of the amount of work that this can entail for a busy OoSHL Coordinator. In June 2003, we launched the Tower Hamlets Quality Assurance Award as an introduction to self-evaluation at a less arduous level. This has enabled schools and community schools in Tower Hamlets to have their work within OoSHL (Study Support) recognised by the Borough, and encouraged many to use the Code of Practice and seek national QiSS recognition. This has now been replaced by the  authority's Extending Schools Quality Assurance Award covering the co-ordination and management of all areas of extended provision.

For more details about Tower Hamlets ESQAA  and QiSS, please click on their names to the right of this page.