Insight Advisor Support Session 2022/23

The Advisors will guide staff through their data, translating what the numbers on Insight mean in terms of pupil outcomes. Advisors will use the data to pose a number of challenge questions to support self evaluation and systemic school improvement. We use live school data to demonstrate how schools can go beyond the accountability moving into data intelligence; unpicking the data and identifying the improvement messages that lie below the headline measures.

The Advisors
The two Insight Advisors for Scotland; currently Lewis Paterson and Fiona Lawrence; provide frontline support, free of charge, to schools, local authorities and other stakeholders.

Included in a visit
  • A double-period session with SLT - this allows a deep look at the whole school picture across a wide number of measures. This can be a stand-alone support or part of a whole or half day visit
  • Double-period slots with wider leadership team and others with a raising attainment focus. This would ideally be one double-period slot with Pastoral/ASN Leaders and a double period slot with Curricular Leaders, but this can be mixed if required. A member of SLT should attend each session.
  • Added on to a visit can be an hour with all staff after school.

    • Bespoke support
  • Authority level support tailored to QI team need, possibly including the Analytical Dataset
  • RIC/Authority/Subject Network support available, please contact to discuss

    • How to book a visit
    Advisor support is highly valued and is in significant demand. We encourage colleagues to contact the Professional Advisor team via email to discuss both support requirements and availability. For updates on current Insight activities please see our Twitter account @InsightUpdates.

    How to get the most out of a visit
  • Equipment - a conference room, or classroom, works well as a setting. Advisors will need access to a school computer/laptop connected/projecting to a large screen which all staff are able to see. The Advisor will need to frequently move between the computer and the large screen, so layout of the room should be considered. There is no compulsion for staff to use Insight during the session, indeed experince shows this can impede the session.
  • Preparation - Advisors will assume a working knowledge of the tool. Staff who wish to develop their awareness of how to use Insight in advance of the session can access a range of resources within 'Help and Support'.
  • Analytical dataset - SLT sessions that are supported by school use of their Analytical Data Set lead to richer discussion.
  • Please be aware Advisors often travel some distance to visit a school, breaks and catering are appreciated.