The Role of Ofsted covering School Inspections in England Inspection provides an independent external evaluation based on a range of evidence evaluated against a National Framework

How does inspection promote school improvement? Raises expectations by setting standards of performance and effectiveness expected by schools Provides challenge Identifies strengths and weaknesses Recommends priorities for improvement Reviews how schools evaluate themselves Monitors progress and performance schools not yet judged as “good”

How inspection works in practice Ofsted reports on the quality of education and covers Achievement of pupils Quality of teaching Behaviour and safety of students Quality of leadership in and management

When reporting, inspectors must also consider: The spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils The extent to which the education provided meets the needs of the range of pupils at the school

The use of assessment during school inspections Inspectors use a range of evidence to make judgements Test results Pupil’s work and their perception of their learning Consider the progress pupils make Talk to school leaders in use of formative and summative assessments and how this improves teaching and learning

Range of evidence to make judgements cont’d Evaluate how well pupils are doing against relevant age-related expectations as set by the school and National Curriculum How schools use assessment data to identify pupils falling behind in their learning Evaluate the way the school reports to parents and carers on pupil progress

Areas covered in arriving at judgements Leadership and management Accuracy of assessment Progress of pupils Assessment – test results, targets etc Pupils strengths and weaknesses and actions during lessons The way the school reports on progress and attainment to parents and carers

Areas covered in arriving at judgements cont’d Planning of lessons and teaching Remedy where pupils do not demonstrate knowledge or understanding Deepen the knowledge of the most able

What schools are graded on Quality of leadership and management Behaviour and safety of pupils Quality of teaching Achievement of pupils

Ofsted grade descriptors Outstanding (1) Good (2) Requires improvement (3) Inadequate (4)

The role of the Local Authority and its implications for schools Rutland County Council is one of 154 local authorities in England Vision for Learning Skills Services is set out in the context of the County Council’s Strategic Aims and Objectives Learning and Skills Service is part of the People Directorate, one of three Directorates within the County Council

The Learning and Skills Service covers the following: Early years settings Schools Colleges Adult education (many Learning and Skills staff provide support either directly or indirectly to children and young people in the county)

Background: From the Education Act 1996 onwards the local authority is bound by a wide range of legislation and legal guidance – this outlines the statutory responsibilities, including those relating to education, safeguarding and health and well- being The Department of Education website currently has 198 specific statutory duties related to education involving the local authority and schools In May 2013, Ofsted provided 2 additional documents to add clarity to local authority responsibilities

These include: Ensure sufficient educational provision and to plan for the future pupil numbers Ensure that all educational standards and outcomes are high and met by all learners Ensure that children, young people and all other learners are safeguarded and their well being is promoted The main focus is on assessment, moderation, support for newly qualified teachers and governance

How Ofsted judge the Local Authority The local authority is judged by Ofsted as to the effectiveness of corporate and strategic leadership of school improvement and effectiveness in improving school performance through appropriate intervention Local authorities retain a legal responsibility for school performance (1996 Education Act)

How this is developing in Rutland All schools and colleges have been requested to agree to core principles of the Learning and Skills strategy which involves: Raising of school standards Narrowing the gap in attainment and achievement – children, young people and adults Effective monitoring of all settings Brokerage of a wide range of support Lead partnerships and collaboration across Rutland Monitoring and improving school performance

Learning and Skills Boardmeets 3 times per academic year to: Share and assess performance Use a county wide dashboard to monitor school performance Looking to establish and agreed Data Sharing Protocol

Key support roles for school improvement in the local authority Early years adviser Primary school officers Secondary consultancy Virtual Headteacher and Looked After Children School Admissions Head of Learning and Skills

Other support Special educational needs/inclusion Social care/support for vulnerable children Financial support/ advice Schools Forum – oversees school budget allocation Partnership Board

Role of Head of Service To lead the strategic direction, policy development and performance monitoring of the Learning and Skills Service Ensure effective and integrated working relationships across the county Manage the Learning and Skills Service

Schools causing concern – identified by Ofsted and local intelligence Local Authority will intervene as below: Local Authority review/external audit or school to complete Action planning to address concerns Strategy meetings (6 weekly) or similar Deployment of LA staff, consultancy and possibly NLE to support and challenge school performance The aim of the Local authority is to work in partnership with schools