LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

Emerging issues from Ofsted inspections – an inspector’s

perspective

Frank Ravey

Principal Inspector, CfBT

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009Main points to be covered• Brief personal perspective• Key implications for inspection

practice in relation to the new framework

• Some early feedback from inspectors and schools

• CfBT perspective

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009• There has always been a core of inspection activities• Based on:

– lesson observations and scrutiny of work; – performance data; – talking to pupils and staff/stakeholders;– communications

• These activities have developed over several frameworks and are underpinned by the Ofsted Code of Conduct for inspectors

• Inspectors are challenged to review and improve their practice in response to such developments – this is such a time

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

Implications of the new inspection arrangements for inspection preparation

• Recognising time constraints

• Giving the school clear messages about key changes

• Being clear about the involvement of senior leaders

• Planning to meet new requirements

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

Implications for inspection preparation (2)

But still:

• developing a climate of trust and professionalism

• communicating clearly and objectively (including PIB)

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009 Emerging issues

Inspectors must recognise….. • the need to be well organised and well prepared

within demanding time constraints and to make sure important messages are given and received

• that the inspection needs to be well focused and tightly planned around the hypotheses and issues raised in the PIB

• that school leaders should be informed of and be comfortable with their involvement in the inspection process

• that the principles of the Code of Conduct remain at the heart of their work

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

Implications of the new arrangements for work during the inspection

• Greater focus on observing learning and teaching in lessons

• Strong focus on safeguarding

• More in depth involvement of senior leaders

• Increased emphasis on the views of stakeholders

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009Emerging issues

Inspectors must recognise…..• the need to plan but to be flexible - getting the balance of

activities right• the need to spend significant amounts of time observing

learning and teaching in lessons• the need to involve senior leaders closely in the inspection

process• the need to take account of the views of stakeholders• the need to cover new requirements in full• the need to manage tightly and openly the development and

organisation of emerging inspection findings and possible recommendations

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

Implications for the inspection report

• More detailed recommendations for improvement

• A clear focus on the full range of outcomes for pupils

• A more detailed explanation of the ‘capacity for improvement’ judgement

• A more explicit focus on parents’ views

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009Emerging issues

Inspectors must recognise the need for….• a report that is [still] written succinctly and clearly in

straightforward language for its audience and that provides a convincing view of the school

• more specific and clearly understood areas for improvement drafted with the headteacher

• providing an easily understandable and well supported view of the school’s capacity to improve further

• providing a clear response to parents’ views (and those of other stakeholders where possible)

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009CfBT’s role in supporting inspectors and

checking that practice meets the required standard

• Training• Advice and guidance• Monitoring inspection activity• Close communication with schools

and Ofsted

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009

A brief overview of inspectors’ and schools’ perceptions so far

LTP Masterclass Sept 2009To summarise• In some aspects of the work it is a question of

sustaining the quality of familiar practice• But in some key ways there is significant change• Inspectors recognise this 2nd point and are honing their

practice to response positively and effectively to it• Things do take time to ‘bed down’ but it is CfBT’s job

to ensure that inspectors’ work meets the required standard throughout this process