Inspection

The curriculum: Seven questions for your school

4 March 2020

The curriculum has become a core focus for Ofsted inspections. Drawing on inspections under the new EIF, Danny Cuttell offers seven curriculum questions to consider before the summer

Ofsted: What curriculum evidence will they need?

6 November 2019

With Ofsted’s new ‘quality of education’ judgement in mind, Imogen Rowley examines how inspectors will be judging the ‘intent, implementation and impact’ of your curriculum

Ofsted's EIF, equality and diversity

1 October 2019

The Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) came into effect in September promising to advance equality of opportunity for all learners. Dawn Jotham considers what the EIF means in the context of equality and diversity

Ofsted’s EIF and the place of EAL education

11 September 2019

The new Education Inspection Framework makes no reference to pupils who use English as an additional language as a distinct group. But this does not mean that schools should stop considering their distinct learning needs. Katherine Solomon and Silvana Richardson advise

Curriculum design under the new Ofsted regime

8 May 2019

The new Ofsted inspection framework will see a focus on the breadth of your school’s curriculum offer, including its ‘intent’, ‘implementation’ and ‘impact’. In light of these changes, Matt Bromley looks at how schools might plan their curriculum...

Aspects of effective PSHE

16 January 2019

High-quality PSHE is essential to the wellbeing of our students. Last week, Matt Bromley looked at how to create and lead an effective PSHE programme. This week he looks at what Ofsted has to say on the matter and offers further advice about the tenets of effective PSHE

Case study: Team Wright Robinson – Ofsted outstanding

14 March 2018

In 2014, Wright Robinson College was judged as requiring improvement. It is now outstanding. Emma Lee-Potter finds out how an Olympics-inspired ethos of teamwork has played a key role in the school’s transformation

Making data meaningful in inspections

1 November 2017

Ofsted’s recent inspection update urges schools to focus on ‘meaningful data’ and warns about the misuse of data. Specialist Stephen Rollett advises

Four steps to a successful Ofsted

14 June 2017

To help you speak confidently to inspectors and understand what they are looking for, inspections specialist Stephen Rollett offers four practical steps...

Five keys to a successful Ofsted inspection

2 November 2016

Headteacher Nigel Whittle has extensive, first-hand experience of making sure Ofsted inspections go well and understands how you can get your key messages across to inspectors. He offers five practical tips to help you with your inspection

Preparing for Ofsted: Key changes in the 2016/17 inspection handbook

21 September 2016

There were only minor changes to this year's Ofsted inspection handbook, but there are still some things schools should note. Accountability expert Stephen Rollett discusses the vital questions school leaders should consider when preparing for an Ofsted inspection this year

Case study: Getting whole-school behaviour right

15 June 2016

After leading his inner city Manchester school to an outstanding in all areas Ofsted judgement, headteacher Neville Beischer says that student behaviour is the secret for those searching for whole-school improvement. He explains his school’s ethos and approach

What’s next for key stage 3?

16 March 2016

With the increasing demands of key stage 4 and recent Ofsted criticism of provision in years 7, 8 and 9, Suanne O’Farrell looks at how schools can best use key stage 3 to support students’ achievement and their wider learning

Ofsted: Common pitfalls and key advice

13 January 2016

The Common Inspection Framework is now in its second term of operation. Inspections expert Elaine Long gives a useful overview of the key requirements and duties that schools and their leadership teams should be on top of

The Common Inspection Framework – an analysis

9 September 2015

Offering his commentary on the new Common Inspection Framework and Ofsted inspection in general, school improvement advisor Chris Byrne considers the key talking points, implications and areas for concern

Is it time to shake off the shackles of Ofsted?

9 September 2015

Headteachers complain about a stifling accountability culture that quells risk-taking and doesn’t truly measure what schools do for their pupils. But is there anything schools can do to change things? Nick Bannister takes a look at a growing grass-roots movement

How school inspection has to change

11 June 2015

When evidence shows the need for inspection to evolve, Ofsted is always too slow to act. Dr Mary Bousted explains how Ofsted must change to meet the needs of today's education system

Ofsted inspection from September 2015

14 May 2015

Inspection is changing again, with a new Framework due to be published in June. John Viner looks at the key changes and offers some advice for self-assessment
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