Ofsted unveils extensive engagement programme ahead of November inspections
Yesterday (10 July), Ofsted announced a comprehensive sector engagement programme, set to launch in September, to prepare education providers for the new inspection framework. But is it enough to reduce the deepening concerns plaguing these Ofsted inspection reforms?
The changes will come into effect in November, marking a significant shift in how educational settings are evaluated. The programme aims to ensure all providers are well-versed in the updated framework before routine inspections resume. However, can webinars really be the answer to sector’s inspection concerns?
What school leaders can expect
Throughout the autumn term, Ofsted will host a series of webinars and regional events designed to familiarise providers with the upcoming changes. These live webinars will be tailored to different provider types across various education remits, outlining the key updates to the inspection process.
Ofsted’s targeted webinars will cater to specific education sectors. For Early Years, there will be separate sessions designed for childminders, group-based provision, and out-of-school clubs. Schools can expect individual webinars covering maintained nurseries, primaries, secondaries, non-association independent schools, University Technical Colleges (UTCs), special schools, and alternative provision.
In the Further Education and Skills sector, specific webinars will focus on 16 to 19 programmes, apprenticeship providers, adult learning providers, and high needs provision.
Finally, for Initial Teacher Education (ITE), there will be webinars for providers of any/all phases of ITE, alongside a separate session specifically for ITE programmes within the further education and skills sector.
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Nominee training package
Another notable development is the introduction of a nominee system for inspections across more education remits, extending a practice already successful in further education and skills. Nominees will play a crucial role in streamlining inspections by facilitating planning, communication, and engagement with the inspection team, and providing contextual information about their setting.
While the proposed engagement programme sounds comprehensive, it’s hard for many to shake the feeling that the most beneficial solution for the sector would have been to delay the framework’s introduction entirely.
This would have genuinely afforded providers the crucial time needed to fully familiarise themselves and their staff with the significant changes.
Don’t miss critical Ofsted insight at our events
At Schools North East, we’re dedicated to supporting our region’s education providers through all changes and developments across Ofsted and beyond.
We’re delighted to announce that bookings are now open for our annual Ofsted Update events in November. Join us to hear directly from Katrina Gueli, Regional Director for the North East, Yorkshire & Humber, who will provide an extensive overview of the latest updates and what they mean for your school or trust.
These events also offer a unique opportunity to hear from regional school leaders about their recent Ofsted experiences, and participate in a live Q&A session with Katrina. We’re hosting events in both the North (13 November) and South (14 November) of the region, so please check our website for details and to secure your place.
In addition to our November events, don’t forget that Lee Owston, National Ofsted Director, will be speaking at the Schools North East Summit on Thursday 16 October. This is another fantastic opportunity to gain high-level insights directly from Ofsted’s leadership.
We encourage you to book your place at our Ofsted Update events and join us at the Summit to ensure your school is fully prepared for the upcoming changes.