INSPECTION LOOMING - NO PROBLEM!

Every school faces the daunting task of showing how they are providing high quality education for their pupils. Whether your school is looking for COBIS accreditation, ISI inspection or Ofsted inspection, we're here to make the whole process for you and your school stress free.

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, responsible for inspecting and regulating schools in the UK. One of the key phrases used by Ofsted when assessing the competence of UK primary schools is ‘deep dive’. This term refers to a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of a school's performance in three key areas: intent, curriculum implementation, and impact.

INTENT

Intent refers to the overarching goals and aims of a school's curriculum. This includes the values and principles that underpin the curriculum, as well as the knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to gain. When conducting a deep dive, Ofsted inspectors will examine the school's curriculum plans and documentation to ensure that they align with the school's overall aims and objectives.

CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION

Curriculum implementation refers to how well the school is delivering its intended curriculum. This includes examining teaching materials, lesson plans, and teacher training programs to ensure that they are aligned with the school's aims and objectives. Ofsted inspectors will also observe classroom teaching and learning to assess whether the curriculum is being delivered effectively.

IMPACT

Impact refers to the extent to which the school's curriculum is achieving its intended outcomes. This includes looking at pupil progress, attainment, and achievement data to determine whether pupils are meeting the school's expectations. Ofsted inspectors will also examine how the school measures and evaluates the impact of its curriculum, including how it identifies areas for improvement.

What to expect in a deep dive?

Ofsted explains that during a deep dive, inspectors will:

• Observe teaching: Inspectors will observe lessons in the subject to see how the pupils engage with their learning and what kind of learning atmosphere the teacher has created.

• Interview teachers and pupils: To evaluate pupils' understanding and enjoyment of the subject, inspectors will interview teachers and pupils.

• Look at pupils' work: Inspectors will scrutinise pupils' work to evaluate the quality of learning and to assess how well pupils are progressing.

• Examine curriculum planning: Inspectors will look at the school's curriculum for the subject to ensure that it is progressive, appropriate and relevant to pupils' needs.

• Interview senior leaders: Inspectors will interview senior leaders to gain an understanding of how the school's leadership team is supporting the delivery of the curriculum and ensuring that all pupils are making sound progress.

• Evaluate how well the school is meeting the needs of different groups of pupils: What does your school have in place to meet the needs of different groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils?

Typical Ofsted deep dive questions:

Some typical questions that inspectors may ask during a deep dive include:

• In what manner has the curriculum been designed to cater to the needs of all students?

• How do you ensure that you cover the national curriculum?

• How do subject leaders and teachers uphold responsibility for the quality of education and assessment?

• How do teachers evaluate student progress and guarantee that it's suitable?

• How is subject-specific knowledge and terminology taught and developed over time?

• Which teaching methods are used to teach the curriculum and ensure that all students progress effectively?

• What are the extracurricular activities available to students, and how do they contribute to their overall learning and development?

• How adequately are students prepared for their next level of education?

• How are students with special educational needs or disabilities accommodated, and how well is their progress monitored and supported?

• What professional development opportunities are offered to teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills in this subject?

How Can we make your inspection as stress free as possible?

1. Our sequenced lesson plans and activties are differentiated and scaffolded in relation to the outcomes of the Early Years Foundation Stage Stautory Framework and aims of the National Curriculumso that pupils of any ability can thrive.

2. Our ‘Curriculum Map’ and Unit overviews ensure that there is progressive coverage of the curriculum throughout the key stages but also ensures that conistent terminology and subject specific knowledge is used throughout, regardless of who is teaching the lessons. break this learning into simplistic, digestible stages.

3. our ‘Assessment Toolkit’ will support and guide your teachers in evaluating the pupils progress and in turn informing future planning.

4. Our CPD section (coming soon) will support the further development of knowledge and confidence of teachers. This can simply be through watching some of our videos and content or via in person or online CPD conducted by us.

Insoection can be a daunting prospect for teachers and heads of department but through becoming a member of The Games Gurus, your school will have everything needed by inspectors to make the process as stress free. You just need to show them how your school has used and implemented all of the wonderful Games Gurus lessons and resources.