OFSTED SUBJECT SURVEY INSPECTIONS

(2009 framework)

SURVEYS: Overview

• focus on educational issues of national significance– In 2009-10, our survey programme covers all subjects in primary

and secondary schools, and over 20 national surveys, includIng looking at the system for Special Educational Needs, Girls and Young women’s Achievement, Literacy

• agreed annually with DCSF• national picture of strengths and areas for development • most are school subject inspections (over 900 each year)• feedback to help schools improve • support schools’ self-evaluation • use Ofsted standard criteria (2009 framework)

– Plans to develop subject-specific criteria

SURVEYS: Details (1)

• one inspector for up to two days• for subject surveys, schools selected across England• not usually more than two weeks notice• usually a specific focus on an important national 'issue'

related to the subject• for other surveys, schools selected according to the

survey: by location, children or learners, LA, type of provision, or because they have good practice in certain subjects or areas

• up to 3 survey inspections between regular inspections

SURVEYS: Details (2)

• direct observation, discussions with staff and learners, work scrutiny, other documents, e.g. schemes of work

• no new paperwork required, but may ask to see, e.g: – self-evaluations, – departmental reviews, – subject leaders’ reviews and action plans– work carried out related to the survey topic

• if time, individuals should receive feedback• detailed verbal feedback at the end of visit (may invite a

relevant governor and LA representative)• short feedback letter: findings and areas for development

SURVEYS: Example 2 day Programme

• Introductory meeting with head: contextual overview of the subject, with brief school tour (45 min)

• Discussion with subject leader/senior manager: standards, provision and overall effectiveness (~ 60 min)

• Meeting with other teachers/support staff (~ 60 min)• Review subject documentation, e.g. subject policies, action

plans, schemes of work, assessment data, monitoring records (45-60 min)

• Observation of up to four lessons - at least one in each of KS 3, 4 (5 where appropriate)

• Work scrutiny - incl. work of students to be met (30 min)• Discussion - 2 groups of 8 students Y9 & Y11 (45 min)• Time to reflect before feeding back (30 min)

SURVEYS: Report Content

Overall Effectiveness

Context

Achievement & Standards

Quality of Teaching & Learning

Quality of Curriculum

Leadership & Management

Subject Issue (e.g. creativity, inclusion, boys’ attainment)

Areas for Improvement