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I've read over the @Ofstednews 18-page report on 'school visits' during the pandemic to discover if:
a) we can learn anything new
b) value for money
Curriculum, mental health or remote learning? I've had to dig deep! #OfstedReform
a) we can learn anything new
b) value for money
Curriculum, mental health or remote learning? I've had to dig deep! #OfstedReform
Methodology
1. 380 visits between 29.09.20 - 23.10.2020
2. One-day visits
3. Not graded
It's a shame these questions were not tackled in March'20. The overview is a good read, but it's nothing the profession doesn't know. If anything, the report is a mirror of society at large.
1. 380 visits between 29.09.20 - 23.10.2020
2. One-day visits
3. Not graded
It's a shame these questions were not tackled in March'20. The overview is a good read, but it's nothing the profession doesn't know. If anything, the report is a mirror of society at large.
One heartbreaking read?
"Some leaders spoke of their distress in having to tell some families that their children could not return because they did not have the medical support to cater for them in school."
I certainly wouldn't attribute any blame to the school.
"Some leaders spoke of their distress in having to tell some families that their children could not return because they did not have the medical support to cater for them in school."
I certainly wouldn't attribute any blame to the school.
#homeschooling was already rising.
"Almost half the schools had had pupils whose parents had removed them from the school roll to electively home educate them since the start of the autumn term. Of these, three-fifths had had more than one child removed from the school."
"Almost half the schools had had pupils whose parents had removed them from the school roll to electively home educate them since the start of the autumn term. Of these, three-fifths had had more than one child removed from the school."
Fixed-term exclusions were also rising.
It was difficult for schools to have "the usual layers of sanctions before exclusion."
Subject teaching?
"Very few schools focusing on science."
Primary? Phonics is a key focus
Secondary? Practical subjects take a hit...
#Curriculum
It was difficult for schools to have "the usual layers of sanctions before exclusion."
Subject teaching?
"Very few schools focusing on science."
Primary? Phonics is a key focus
Secondary? Practical subjects take a hit...
#Curriculum
An area for contention?
Ofsted's ability to evaluate #remoteLearning with some media outlets/MPs speculating that it should be inspected & graded.
"Some schools reported that they were not using live lessons because of their concerns about #safeguarding, and do not intend to."
Ofsted's ability to evaluate #remoteLearning with some media outlets/MPs speculating that it should be inspected & graded.
"Some schools reported that they were not using live lessons because of their concerns about #safeguarding, and do not intend to."
This is where Ofsted may become focused from January, particularly given the announcement of the #gcse2021 exams today.
"Fewer leaders were able to explain how they were assessing what pupils had learned through the remote education they were receiving..."
#assessment
"Fewer leaders were able to explain how they were assessing what pupils had learned through the remote education they were receiving..."
#assessment
On professional development?
Good news for school budgets!
"Online training cuts costs and travel time, which also results in more staff being able to attend..."
Teach online effectively is a key focus, rather than how to use software https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2020/10/28/lecture-pauses/
#SLTchat
Good news for school budgets!
"Online training cuts costs and travel time, which also results in more staff being able to attend..."
Teach online effectively is a key focus, rather than how to use software https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2020/10/28/lecture-pauses/
#SLTchat
"Staff wellbeing has become a key priority."
Predicted this... https://twitter.com/TeacherToolkit/status/1308878191604490241
"For example, one leader commented that in four weeks £5,000 has been spent on additional staffing because of COVID 19"
#SLTchat
Predicted this... https://twitter.com/TeacherToolkit/status/1308878191604490241
"For example, one leader commented that in four weeks £5,000 has been spent on additional staffing because of COVID 19"
#SLTchat
How children were affected by the first national lockdown?
Too early to tell...
However, pupils were happy to be back!
"There was a general sense that they appreciate school and each other more."
Some #MentalHealth disclaimers...
Too early to tell...
However, pupils were happy to be back!
"There was a general sense that they appreciate school and each other more."
Some #MentalHealth disclaimers...
On standards?
"A very small number of mainstream school leaders felt that a full return would be later than the summer term 2021."
Challenges for schools?
1. teach as normal
2. safety procedures
3. support pupils not in school
4. #cover for staff self-isolating
"A very small number of mainstream school leaders felt that a full return would be later than the summer term 2021."
Challenges for schools?
1. teach as normal
2. safety procedures
3. support pupils not in school
4. #cover for staff self-isolating
As expected, "Leaders described these pressures as unsustainable, overwhelming or unrealistic!" report @Ofstednews
Something for all policymakers to consider very seriously, @GavinWilliamson, @NickGibbUK, @KateGreenSU, @EmmaHardyMP, @LaylaMoran and @CommonsEd
Something for all policymakers to consider very seriously, @GavinWilliamson, @NickGibbUK, @KateGreenSU, @EmmaHardyMP, @LaylaMoran and @CommonsEd
Here's the killer line for me...
"Leaders in some schools that are graded inadequate or requires improvement say that they have an added pressure of working on school improvement while balancing an increased workload."
It's time to end the grades!
#SLTchat
"Leaders in some schools that are graded inadequate or requires improvement say that they have an added pressure of working on school improvement while balancing an increased workload."
It's time to end the grades!
#SLTchat
If you work in a challenging school, and it's labelled by Ofsted, it could be the end of your career, so why put yourself under this pressure? https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2018/04/29/lifeofadeputyheadteacher11/
As I always ask, rather than spend millions on £s on inspections, why aren't Ofsted inspectors deployed to share their expertise with the profession, rather than produce reports parents don't read?
Here's the full report https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/933490/COVID-19_series_briefing_on_schools_October_2020.pdf
Here's the full report https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/933490/COVID-19_series_briefing_on_schools_October_2020.pdf
