MARIA LANDY’S EDUCATION UPDATE – OFSTED AND CURRICULUM SPECIAL FOCUS ON SEPTEMBER 2015 FOCUS – OFSTED CHANGES AND CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS – SEE USEFUL INFO SECTION

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST OFF THE OFSTED WEBSITE Look for CIF – the New Common Inspection Framework – plus powerpoint briefings Specific guidance and requirements on Early Years Specific guidance and requirements on provision Look for School inspection handbook – the latest – 2015 Click on and where relevant save the links Look carefully at the footnote links

16 TO 19 STUDY PROGRAMMES – MARCH 2015 Advice non –statutory – been produced to help you understand your “obligations and duties” in relation to provision of education and training Guidance applies to school sixth forms, FE colleges, sixth form colleges, work-based learning providers and training providers

KEY POINTS: All students should be given the opportunity to take a study programme which reflects their prior attainment, education and career goals. Study programmes should include substantial academic or applied and technical qualifications; non-qualification activity including work experience; and the study of English and maths where students do not hold a GCSE graded A*-C in that subject by age 16. Funding is now on a per student, not qualification basis. New accountability measures will be introduced from 2016.

SIX MAJOR STUDY PROGRAMME PRINCIPLES ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO FOLLOW A STUDY PROGRAMME THAT: 1. Provides progression to a level higher than that of their prior attainment 2. Includes qualification(s) that are sufficient size and rigour to stretch the student and that are clearly linked to suitable progression opportunities in training, employment or higher levels of education 3. Requires students who do not already have GCSE A*- C in Maths and English to work towards them (or other approved “stepping stone” qualifications) that will help the student to progress towards these qualifications (If you have a D grade in English or Maths you must resit the exam to try to get a C grade or higher!)

SIX STUDY PROGRAMME PRINCIPLES – BIG FOCUS ON WORK EXPERIENCE 4. Includes work experience – this may relate to the student’s study programme, develop employability skills and /or create potential employment options for those who cannot do substantial vocational qualifications 5. Includes other activities unrelated to qualifications which develop the character, skills, attitudes and confidence that support progression 6. Students who are not yet ready to study for a substantial qualification can undertake a programme focused on work experience and the development of employability skills

LOOK UP AND USE THE STUDY PROGRAMMES WORK EXPERIENCE CHECKLIST Pre-placement preparation – questions to ask Provision of work experience Simplified health and safety guidance for employers and students Work experience follow-up – learner’s record? Documents ready for inspection through the common inspection framework?

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND DISABILITIES The needs can vary widely but study programme principles still apply! Students should follow a programme that prepares them for adulthood, including supporting their progression into work or further study. For students with LDA – Learning Difficulty Assessment or an EHC – Education Health and Care plan, a study programme can apply up to the age of 25.

STUDY PROGRAMMES FOR STUDENTS WITH PROFOUND AND /OR COMPLEX LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND DISABILITIES May also concentrate on work experience or other non- qualification activities rather than qualifications, to prepare them for adult life. For example – “supported internships” that aim to prepare young people for employment through extended work placements with employers. Study programmes should always include English and Maths but at an appropriate level.

ALSO STUDENTS SHOULD: Be encouraged to take part in meaningful non- qualification activity alongside work experience placements Include planned and organised enrichment activities to build character – Duke of Edinburgh > team-work> study skills > self-management skills – see DFE character awards

FROM GOV.UK LOOK UP AND DOWNLOAD: Approved list of new stepping stone qualifications – June 2015 published 9 th July 2015 Approved Entry levels in ENGLISH and MATHS Approved list of qualifications Average point scores to add up and give comparisons

USE THE COMMON INSPECTION FRAMEWORK TO JUDGE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE STUDY PROGRAMMES – SEE PAGE 61OF THE JUNE 2015 HANDBOOK Specific section in the OfSTED inspection report How well leaders promote high expectations Study programmes fully meet the principles by providing progression>stretching the learners>Maths and English plus character enrichment and work experience All learners receive high level impartial careers advice

INSPECTORS WILL CONSIDER HOW WELL: Learners develop personal, social, employability and independent learning skills Achieve high levels of punctuality, attendance and conduct They keep themselves safe and healthy both physically and emotionally They remain on their study programmes and achieve qualifications especially in English and Maths – see effectiveness Grade descriptors page

ALSO SEE MY UPDATES ON EARLY YEARS AND FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SEN&D PROVISION They focus on the changes from September 2015 in England They guide you to essential update details I hope you found this update helpful - Smiles Maria Landy tel