Rationale – the aims the plan are to:

§         Improve the linkage between the work of Steering Committee, county groups and schools

§         To promote the image of successful middle schools – both within the Forum to its members and to the press and wider community.

§         To work with partners in exploring approaches to demonstrating progress now that KS3 SATs have been abolished.

§         To share and disseminate good practice within the middle school sector

Key Issue 1 – Membership
Action	To increase the membership of NMSF to at least 60% of the total number of state middle schools To encourage areas to pay subscriptions jointly through named person in each authority.
Responsibility	The Executive Officer
Timescale	By September 2009
Cost	Up to 3 days work i.e. £750
Success criteria	In excess of 150 members of the Forum
Evaluation	Treasurers records

Key Issue 2 – Conference 2009 NCSL
Action	Planning for the 2009 conference
Responsibility	The Executive Officer, working with a conference sub-committee.
Timescale	Venue and speakers arrange, Conference details to members February 2009 Final programme to those attending early September 2009 Termly reports to Steering Committee
Cost	Executive Officer – 8 days £2000
Success criteria	Responsibility established and conference theme decided
Evaluation	Steering Group meeting minutes

Key Issue 3 – To work with partner organisations in developing approaches to assessment now that KS3 SATS have been abolished
Action	To work with QCA and other partners to organise 4 regional meetings in the Spring Term 2009
Responsibility	The Executive Officer
Timescale	Spring Term 2009 – reports to Conference 2009
Cost	4 days - £1000 plus venue costs and expenses for contributors – up to £3000.
Success criteria	Day conferences have attracted members to regional event
Evaluation	Steering Group meeting minutes

Key Issue 4 – Support to local areas and improving links with the Steering Committee
Action	To develop closer links between the steering committee and local area associations To continue to develop and publish materials to support the maintenance and development of middle school systems in areas facing review.
Responsibility	The Executive Officer
Timescale	Ongoing
Cost	6days work - £1500
Success criteria	The publication of further NMSF support materials and their use by members Attendance at local meetings
Evaluation	The number of LEAs retaining and developing 3 tier systems

Key Issue 5 – Research and links with external agencies
Action	To liase with NCSL, Ofsted, QCA, TDA, KS3 Strategy, Primary Strategy, DfES, NAHT and SHA  - representing middle schools at relevant meetings To disseminate available information via the NMSF website Invite representatives from external agencies to attend steering committee meetings – one per meeting. To conduct research into the effectiveness of middle schools and disseminate the findings
Responsibility	The Executive Officer,
Timescale	On going
Cost	8 days - £2,000
Success criteria	NMSF has been represented at national level meetings. Members of external agencies have attended steering committee meetings Data on middle school performance and achievement have been collated and shared

Key Issue 6 – Developing international links
Action	Fund up to two headteacher members of Steering to attend ELMLE conference in Paris. January 29-Feburary 1, 2009 To invite international input to our 2009 conference.
Responsibility	The Executive Officer to circulate details and invite applications for funding –(to be decided with Chair)
Timescale	January 2009 – report to Steering March 2009
Cost	Costs of travel, conference and accommodation.

Key Issue 7 – Promoting the image of the Forum and services to members
Action	Maintain the Forum website with a flow of new items each month Monthly newsletter to members via email To develop the use of the website for sharing and disseminating good practice
Responsibility	The Executive Officer
Cost	8 days - £ 2000 plus costs