Issue - items at meetings - Ofsted Inspection Reports

Report of the Director of Children’s Services.

18.1         This item was taken after Agenda Item 16.

18.2         Linda Ellis – Senior Secondary and Special School Advisor presented the report to Members and answered questions.

18.3         Kenya Simpson-Martin, Youth Council Representative asked whether Officers did think that inspections gave an accurate picture of how the school really operated, as the inspectors were there for such a short period of time, Members were told how on the whole that this was taken as an accurate assessment, as the inspectors did prepare beforehand by researching all the relevant statistics and due to the vast amount of experience that the inspectors had it would be very rare to get an inaccurate account of the school.

18.4         Members were advised that there would be a move towards unannounced inspections in the future and more focus on the observations of teachers.

18.5         In response to a question on how themed inspections on equalities was carried out, Members were informed on how the inspectors audited school policies on gender, race equalities; how this was covered within the curriculum and on how equalities issues were addressed within the school with the pupils and parents.

18.6         Kenya Simpson-Martin, Youth Council Representative informed Members that in her experience she felt that some religions were not taught in any depth and felt this could be improved, the Senior Secondary and Special School Advisor told Members that Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACRE) would advise schools on what the curriculum should include.

A Member advised that it maybe useful to find out from SACRE how the religious education advice is implemented in schools.

18.7         In reference to a question  on Portslade Community College and whether school improvement partners had the necessary expertise to advise schools who had a Notice to Improve, Members were informed that a National Challenge Advisor, who has their experience accredited would carry out regular visits to support, offer training to the staff, and focus on the areas of development.

18.8         In response to a question on Safeguarding, Members were advised that the Ofsted inspectors carry out a thorough review and if any school fails this, they automatically show an overall judgment of not satisfactory on the inspection report. Schools have been given a safeguarding audit school and would be advised on how to meet any gaps. Ofsted Inspectors’ have had safeguarding training and a Member advised the Committee how as a Governor the Local Authority provided such training for her and others on the School Board.

18.9         RESOLVED-

(1)   The Committee noted the report and the improvements made by Portslade Community College.