Ofsted Inspection
During an Ofsted inspection governors must show that they know about the strengths and weaknesses of the school, how they have been involved in setting and agreeing plans for improvement, and how well they have monitored and evaluated the progress of pupils. Do make sure you are well prepared and that people are able to communicate effectively about the following:
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- A clear vision rooted in an unwavering commitment to ensure the success and good progress of every pupil
- Fully informed governors who ask challenging questions about the work of the school, especially about the quality of teaching and the progress of all groups of pupils
- High levels of knowledge of the rate of progress made against identified priorities for improvement and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of chosen strategies which impact on raising achievement and improving the quality of education in the school
Several of our schools, especially those judged to require improvement, have set up an 'improvement group'. This small core exists to hold senior leaders to account much more robustly. Please remember that the four key judgements Ofsted makes, namely: the achievement of pupils; the quality of teaching; the behaviour and safety of pupils and the quality of leadership and management MUST align with the governing body's role to set a strategic vision, hold Heads to account for teaching, achievement, behaviour and safety, and challenge and strengthen leadership through active participation in school self-evaluation, and the effective management of financial resources to raise standards.
Important
Inspectors want to have the 'big picture'; data on different groups, especially pupil premium, forces children, looked after children and most able children. They want to see how schools use data for school improvement - an analysis of data over three years if possible.
Data needs to be presented well: summary of achievement; evaluative statements, not narrative; words that capture the big picture - key points, but at pupil progress level mainly; words which draw on the 'outline guidance' section of the Ofsted Inspection Handbook (see drop down menu for version published in September 2013)
Church School Inspection - General IntroductionAll Church of England dioceses and the Methodist Church use the National Society's framework for the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. The framework sets out the expectations for the conduct of the Inspection. As a result of the 2011 Education Act and subsequent changes to the Ofsted inspection framework, there is new guidance on making arrangements for a SIAMS inspection. Please refer to the SIAMS and Handbook sections for details.
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The framework provides a process for evaluating the extent to which church schools are "distinctively and recognisably Christian institutions".
Inspection focus
SIAMS inspection focuses on the effect that the Christian ethos of the church school has on the children and young people who attend it. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles, which reflect their particular local context or church tradition in order to be distinctive and effective. Inspectors will, therefore, not be looking to apply a preconceived template of what a church school should be like.
The principal objective of SIAMS inspection is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school - in effect, ensuring that the school is fulfilling the requirements of the Trust Deed that set the school up in the first place.
Towards this objective, inspectors seek answers to four core questions.
Inspection focus
SIAMS inspection focuses on the effect that the Christian ethos of the church school has on the children and young people who attend it. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles, which reflect their particular local context or church tradition in order to be distinctive and effective. Inspectors will, therefore, not be looking to apply a preconceived template of what a church school should be like.
The principal objective of SIAMS inspection is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school - in effect, ensuring that the school is fulfilling the requirements of the Trust Deed that set the school up in the first place.
Towards this objective, inspectors seek answers to four core questions.
- How well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?
- What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?
- How effective is the Religious Education? (in VA schools and academies)
- How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?
