Ofsted FE director outlines ‘biggest inspection change in 20 years’ Lorna Fitzjohn outlines key elements of the new unified common inspection framework that will be in effect from September. Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw late last month outlined to attendees at Ofsted’s Future of Education Inspection conference in London details on how we will be changing the way we inspect early years, schools and FE providers. These changes, beginning in September, will be some of the most significant since Ofsted’s inception more than 20 years ago. While one of our goals is to simplify how we inspect and report across our remits, there are some notable specific changes for the FE sector. Firstly, Ofsted has published its new common inspection framework, which will apply to all the remits mentioned above. Our aim here is to make it easier for parents, learners and employers to pick up an Ofsted report and understand it, regardless of the provision or remit it covers. Seven out of every ten Ofsted inspectors will be a serving practitioner
4 ways iPad can help get to Ofsted Outstanding | learnmakerblog Do you have iPad in school? Have you wondered wether you are getting maximum impact with your devices? Having achieved 3 outstanding Ofsted results, I would like to explain how iPad can help gather evidence for Ofsted, and radically change the teaching and learning in your school. I am going to look ethos from both a classroom, and leadership level for each example. At the basic (legal) level, Ofsted inspectors are required to report on these areas: The achievement of pupils at the schoolThe quality of teaching in the schoolThe behaviour and safety of pupils at the schoolThe quality of leadership in and management of the school There are ‘extras’ according to age range, but the core elements are these. 1. Marking and feedback Typically marking and feedback policies stipulate a time frame for formative and summative assessment to be applied to student work. Independent learning iPad is one of the most creative digital tools available to young people. 2. Content creation Sharing best practise
FE sector responds to Ofsted's annual report Tuesday, 27 November 2012 21:45 Below is selection of comments from the FE sector on Ofsted's annual report, which was published on 27 November 2012. Martin Doel, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “This annual report from Ofsted is clear that 65% of colleges, serving some 2.5 million students, are good or outstanding which, in the face of a challenging inspection framework, and the need to make efficiencies in the face of constrained funding is a solid achievement. “The annual report no longer represents a ‘state of the nation’ view of provision, but rather a snapshot of inspections that are now triggered by a risk-based approach. By definition this is skewed towards more negative results. “Moreover, some 220,000 unemployed people undertake education and training in colleges and 74% of employers see 17 to 18-year-old college leavers as better prepared for work that school leavers of the same age (66%).” "This report shows problems still exist in the FE sector.
Investing in science and engineering 13 Mar 2012 To celebrate National Science and Engineering week between 9 and 18 March, we shine a light on providers that are working hard to inspire future scientists and engineers. A recent Ofsted report, Improving science in colleges – a survey of good practice, highlighted that science teachers that ensured a good balance of theory and practical activities which took account of students’ starting points enabled students to progress. It found that the most successful colleges worked with local universities to provide courses that led directly to undergraduate study. They also organised field trips to industry providers and employers to stimulate interest and broaden students’ perspectives. Promoting science City and Islington College in the London borough of Islington is one of 15 colleges surveyed for the report. What teachers and students say Kevin Onabiyi, a teacher at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, endorses City and Islington’s approach.
Mastering mathematics 07 Mar 2012 As millions of students around the world celebrate World Maths day today (7 March), we look closer to home where we recently highlighted 20 schools around the country that excel at teaching primary mathematics. We also look at the numeracy needs of adults. Our report, Good practice in primary mathematics: evidence from 20 successful schools, looked at the approaches that best help children progress from counting and calculating to developing reasoning about numbers, and acquiring the skills that will help them with mathematical learning in school and beyond. Hands-on learning The schools featured in the report used practical activities to increase children's understanding and use of mathematical language. Clear calculation policies and guidance made sure that all staff (teachers and teaching assistants) worked together on mathematics to develop their subject expertise. Help for adults As well as help for children, some parents need help with numeracy themselves.
Annual Report focus on adult learning and skills Overall, success rates for all learners in the learning and skills sector have been steadily rising, however a significant number of colleges are not improving, according to Ofsted’s latest Annual Report published on 22 November. The Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills 2010/11 is a summary of Ofsted’s work from September 2010 to August 2011. It draws on evidence throughout the year of inspection and regulation by Ofsted, including findings and trends in childcare, children’s social care, schools and education and skills provision for learners of all ages. Teaching and learning needs to improve This article focuses on the findings from 372 learning and skills inspections. Provision was inspected in a range of settings including colleges, independent learning providers, employer-based training, adult and community learning providers, prisons, other secure estate settings and probation services.