The Quality Standards Framework is a nationally recognised self-review and action planning process to inform school planning and development. The framework covers all aspects of work-related and enterprise learning and is assessed under 3 sections.

How the standard works

Working closely with the Education Business Partnership, schools produce evidence of an audit of work-related practice and links and thereafter build up a portfolio with examples for each of the section criteria.

The EBEA award is assessed after approximately twelve months' work - the assessment being undertaken by external assessors from the business world. If successful, the school will receive the award for three years before re-assessment is required.

The assessment process begins in September with a written agreement by heads to undertake the award, followed by a meeting between the WRL co-ordinator and their EBP co-ordinator. The assessment itself takes place in March with a half day visit to the school, following the submission of the school's portfolio and self-assessment. The final report will be sent to the head in May with the award ceremony taking place in June. A display at the celebration event highlighting successful links is a requirement of the award. (For fuller details see "EBEA Schedule" ).

Schools are encouraged to share their success with business and community partners and are invited to bring representatives to the award presentation to also receive recognition of their support.

Once a school has received the award, an audit is required to be completed with the EBP each school year, prompting future planning and development.

What are the standards?

EBEA requires evidence of the following:

Section 1: Leaderships, Management & Partnerships
Shows evidence of SMT commitment to WRL and includes communication strategies, management structures, professional development opportunities and partnership links.

Section 2: Planning, Programmes and Delivery
Strategic and curriculum planning to show how WRL is implemented, developed and communicated with examples of good practise.

Section 3: Audit Evaluation and Development
A range of work-related activities integrated into the school curriculum with evidence of assessment, progression and evaluation.