On Thursday 24th I arrived at work to receive an email that OFSTED would be inspecting the school. We were given longer notice than usual because the inspection was of the whole group and therefore included other sites throughout the UK.
What followed was a series of meetings with both the authority and the training provider in order to best prepare for the visit.Priority was to rightly focus on the task of prepare ourselves and making sure we gave a true representation of how good we were. In reality it threw the management team into overdrive, we were already well prepared as far as I was concerned but meeting after meeting just helped to sow seeds of doubt.
I found myself answering the expected questions in my head and updating my system so I could find quickly any data the might be requested. There were no worries with teaching, all our paper work, lesson plans, SOWs etc were polished it was the data that concerned me. In my opinion the SAR needed more data.
Reaction To The Event
Panic! OFSTED
The number of meetings and the build up to this event threw me into disarray I put on hold all my efforts and concentrated on answering the what if scenarios. Whilst it was worthwhile for me to check my practice/records and all the other requirements I honestly felt well prepared already and a few well constructed emails would have helped me sufficiently rather than waste so much time in meetings. It seemed to have the effect of stopping me from doing anything else.
Event Analysis
Don't let others drag you along with their unprepared panic or lack of understanding of the process. I think I did well to keep the team focused on the important things and never passed on the reaction I was seeing form some members. On a more positive note the MD and SLT seemed a calming influence and were well prepared.
Future Planning
As I found data that I needed to find quickly I added it as a favorite so it was easy to retrieve next time. Update the QIP more regularly. Pay more attention to the SAR process (this unfortunately occurs in the middle of the busiest time of the year for me.
Overall Reflection
The build up to the inspection helped the whole school focus on the quality of what we do, the welfare of our learners and our successes. It has also enabled us to identify areas for development which will soon form part of the quality improvement plan. I think next time we will be better prepared and I hope we get less notice as it did seem to shock the system unnecessarily.
What is clear from the activity though is how much improvement has been made over the last 6-7 years in terms of the whole package our learners get. From the welfare and care they get from the day they walk through the gate to the support, coaching and quality of teaching that is provided to help ensure they leave motivated and successful.
As I said to my team at the time don't worry, just carry on doing what you do well, we're OK.
