THE problem with many types of self-assessment is that they’re often another thing on an already-hefty pile.
They may get shoved into a drawer and left until days before the deadline, thus resulting in a rushed and stressful process.
Gateshead company Mesma has developed an eponymous web-based application which enables colleges and training providers to co-ordinate their thoughts and suggestions as they go, thus making the process of completing the Ofsted-driven self-assessment process a lot less focused on the last couple of minutes before deadline.
It’s being used by Zodiac Training and Access Training already, and it’ll be in Key Training and Sunderland College by the end of the year.
Director Louise Doyle, who founded Bright Blue Training and Advisory and is formerly of Sunderland College, said: “There’s frequently a rush when someone realises it hasn’t been submitted. You then end up missing the most important people out of the process, namely the teachers and the delivery staff.
“This product is an enabler. The idea is that you can allow as many staff as you like to contribute to the self-assessment process. They can go in during the year and comment on something that could be done better, or note something that’s been done well. It then rolls up to someone who can write that up, and then to someone who puts the whole assessment together.”
Self Assessment reports can look at things such as learner achievement and community engagement, and give the inspectors a chance to suggest improvements that need to be made.
Mesma is developing the product through collaboration with the pilot users, and believes that word of mouth will be useful in getting more colleges and training providers to adopt the product.
The firm is initially aimed at training providers and further education colleges, but Doyle also sees the opportunity to apply it to different areas.
She said: “You could build in a module for governance and health and safety and there’s no reason why it couldn’t go international.”
Mesma is being assisted by regional organisation Sunderland Software City, which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
David Dunn, chief operating officer of Sunderland Software City, said: “Some of the most successful software has been created by professionals dedicated to improving their industries and Mesma’s extensive experience in the education and skills sectors has given them a great insight in the needs of colleges and training providers, leaving them with a very interesting product which is sure to have a hugely positive impact on the way their customers do business.”
