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Ofsted to create new and improved inspection framework

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, discussed the future of school inspections at the Bryanston Education Summit last week explaining that Ofsted aims to make inspections more meaningful.

Spielman introduced her speech by stating: “Now is the right time for us to consider not just how we carry out our inspections, but also to ask the more fundamental questions of what school inspection is and who it is for.”

She then discussed the history of Ofsted and why it has had to change over the past 15 years. These inspections can no longer be as in-depth as they were due to constraints on time and money, but does force those carrying out the inspection to be as focussed and thorough as possible.

“I don’t kid myself that there are hordes of teachers crying out for a return to week-long inspections, but there are downsides for schools of a narrower approach… what struck me most were the comments about how the change in our inspection model limited teachers’ exposure to the process.

“They felt inspection was something done to them, rather than with them. Teachers told us that they feel the loss of feedback, dialogue and professional development.”

As such, Spielman aims to improve the quality of those relationships, the quality of reports themselves for both teachers and parents, and ensure that schools are held to account.

“A common myth is that it is Ofsted that holds schools to account,” she said: “We don’t. Our job is to provide the information for responsible bodies… it is a happy fact that in recent years we have been able to deliver a positive message about rising standards, a credit to the hard work of heads, teachers and other professionals across the country.”

The framework Spielman suggests is based on three principles: ensuring that inspections are about more than simply grading a school; using data appropriately and exploring wider societal issues.

Read more at: http://independentleader.co.uk/ofsted-to-create-new-and-improved-inspection-framework/

Send foster children to boarding schools because it can have a 'life-changing' effect, minister says

Lord Agnew will today unveil a new report - endorsed by the Boarding Schools Partnership (BSP) - which details the positive impact boarding school placements have had on foster children, and shows that giving vulnerable young people a place at a boarding school is more cost-effective for local authorities.

It comes amid a debate about how much the country’s most prestigious private schools should be doing to help educate disadvantaged youngsters.

The report is endorsed by the Boarding Schools Partnership (BSP), a scheme which will see children from vulnerable families enrol at some of Britain's top independent schools.

Read more at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2018/06/11/send-foster-children-boarding-schools-cheaper-careminister-says/

The Telegraph also looks at Colin Morrison, chair of the Boarding Schools Partnership as he explains that behind their picture of privilege, boarding schools have long been home to charity-funded children like him.

Read more at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2018/06/12/behind-picture-privilege-boarding-schools-have-long-home-charity/