1. 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

2. 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”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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