Berni Moorcroft, Director of Inclusion and Deb James, Head of Teaching and Development, recently delivered training on the renewed Ofsted framework for Governors from the Local Governing Bodies across our 17 schools. As valued members of our schools’ leadership teams, it was fantastic to engage with so many Governors who joined the session online via Microsoft Teams.

The training focused on developing a clear understanding of the renewed Ofsted framework, including the move away from a single overall judgement towards a report card approach. Governors explored how schools will now be evaluated across specific areas and discussed the new five-point grading scale, ranging from ‘Exceptional’ to ‘Urgent Improvement’, alongside the inspection toolkit used to support Inspectors in making their judgements.

A key focus of the session was inclusion, particularly how it is embedded across all aspects of inspection and assessed through a case sampling approach; this helps Inspectors understand the lived experiences of our most vulnerable pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and children who are known to social care. Governors were also guided through a sample Day 1 inspection timetable to support inspection preparedness.

The session generated thoughtful questions and rich discussion, which were highly valued. Feedback has been extremely positive and it was a pleasure to engage with such committed and knowledgeable volunteers who play a vital role in supporting our schools.

Thank you to Berni and Deb for delivering such an engaging session and to all our Governors for your time, insight and continued dedication.

Where everybody counts, every moment matters.