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The curriculum & Ofsted: Sequencing and structure with purpose

Curriculum is now at the heart of Ofsted inspection, but does this mean all knowledge and no joy? Suzanne O’Connell meets two schools to find out how they created a curriculum to enthuse pupils while also satisfying inspectors

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Inspecting SEND provision: What does Ofsted look for?

In previous Ofsted frameworks, SEND provision perhaps did not get the attention it deserved. With a higher profile in the EIF, Suzanne O’Connell asks how schools can ensure provision matches expectation

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Preparing governors for Ofsted inspection

Governors have a key role to play during Ofsted inspection. Tiffnie Harris discusses 10 ways we can ensure governors are well prepared for when the inspectors come calling...

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Safeguarding & the quality of education: A case study of Ofsted inspection

From updated statutory safeguarding guidance to a focus on prior learning and the quality of education, what lessons can we draw from a recent primary school inspection? Here are some notes from an anonymous headteacher

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Are your pupils ready for Ofsted’s deep dives?

Deep dives are intended to give Ofsted insight into how subjects are taught and are now a key tool for inspectors. But how well can pupils contribute to the discussion? Suzanne O'Connell spoke to one school about its recent experience...

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A case study of inspection during Covid

Ofsted’s inspection schedule is back in full swing but there have been accusations that inspectors are not taking account of the pandemic hardships that schools have faced. Suzanne O’Connell caught up with executive headteacher Joe Roberts following a recent Ofsted

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Concern over Ofsted’s deep dive expectations

The deep dive is the method being used by Ofsted inspectors to explore the intent, implementation and impact of the curriculum in schools. But is the approach proving too much for subject leaders in our primary schools?

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A case study of Ofsted's EIF in action

Greenmount Primary School was one of the first schools to be visited under Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework. Headteacher David Griffith speaks with Suzanne O’Connell and shares his experiences of the Section 8 inspection before offering his advice to other schools

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School development, curriculum and Ofsted

Schools across England will be reflecting on their curriculum design in light of Ofsted’s new ‘intent, implementation and impact’ approach. National Leader of Education Helen Frostick offers a quick insight into how her school’s curriculum will meet Ofsted’s criteria, including areas for development

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School accountability in England: A critique

No school accountability system is perfect, but will mooted changes to inspection in England tackle some of the unintended consequences that school leaders face? Hilary Grayson draws some lessons from international practice

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Will Ofsted’s inspection framework changes make a difference?

After years of prioritising outcomes and data, Ofsted has signalled a change in focus. It comes after the NAHT’s landmark report into accountability. So what can we expect come September 2019 and will it really be an improvement?

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School Profile: Opportunities for all…

Last November, Christ Church CE School was judged outstanding across all areas. Emma Lee-Potter looks at the school’s vision and values, the key aspects of their practice and their advice regarding Ofsted inspection

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Case study: From good to outstanding

After a recent inspection, Sugar Hill Primary converted from a good school to outstanding across all categories. Emma Lee-Potter finds out what secrets lie behind the school’s success

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After the inspection...

In the final part of his before, during and after series on school inspection, Anthony David reflects on how school leaders can often find themselves facing a low or feeling depressed after the inspectors have left...

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Inspection: After the call has come...

With both of his schools having faced inspection recently, headteacher Anthony David offers his advice on preparing for inspection, handling the inspection itself, and the aftermath. In the second article in this series, he focuses on the inspection itself and what to expect after receiving the ...

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Ofsted wants to see your broad and rich curriculum

The Ofsted framework looks set to remain the same over the next two years, but inspection reports are already showing a change in focus by inspectors. As the new school year begins, we summarise some of the key concerns and lessons to be learnt from schools’ most recent reports

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Inspection: Preparing for Ofsted

With both of his schools having faced inspection last year, headteacher Anthony David will, in this three part series, offer his advice on effectively handling the preparations, the inspection itself, and the aftermath. He begins with how to prepare for Ofsted...

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Inspection under the new Ofsted CIF

We have seen it on paper, but what does the new CIF – the Common Inspection Framework – mean in practice? Suzanne O’Connell speaks to Steve Barrand about his experiences of an Ofsted inspection in September 2015

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Ofsted: Going for outstanding

Barely a week into the new term and headteacher Jeff Brown got the Ofsted call. Here, he describes the two-day inspection and his school’s bid to go from a rating of ‘good’ to one of ‘outstanding’.

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Turning it around: One school's journey

Applegarth Junior School has made the journey from special measures to an Ofsted grading of good in just six months. Paul Glover explains how and offers his advice to other schools.

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Reflections on an inspection

They had been expecting the call, but the reaction of the entire staff when Ofsted arrived was phenomenal. Here follows anonymous extracts from a diary kept by the headteacher during the inspection

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School improvement: A 13-month turnaround

Mayflower Primary School has gone from special measures to outstanding in just 13 months. Emma Lee Potter finds out how.

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Lesson observation: No more performing for the crowds...

Frustrated with the format of traditional lesson observations, deputy headteacher Lizzie Williams changed her school’s approach so that they become more about CPD than performance management.

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Outstanding school FAQs

What is it that headteachers at outstanding schools focus on? Fergal Roche takes a look.

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How do you get Ofsted outstanding for your achievement?

In the final of our articles focusing on core Ofsted inspection judgements, we tackle the most crucial of all – achievement. With a slightly different framework in place, Suzanne O’Connell looks at how three schools have achieved outstanding in this area

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