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DannyCuttell sets out a month-by-month plan for ensuring you’re ready when Ofsted next come calling... 24 teachwire.net/secondary Your timetable forOfsted success T he transition period for the implementation of Ofsted’s education inspection framework (EIF) is set to finish this year. The revised EIF (see bit.ly/ts-eif) marks a significant shift from the outgoing framework, placing a renewed focus on the quality of a school’s curriculum with a view to putting a ‘single conversation about education at the centre of inspection.’ How ready are you for the changes, and do you have a plan in place? Presented here is a termly plan containing tips to help schools successfully implement their curriculum. APRIL Use the Easter holidays to think about your NQTs. Do they have a clear understanding of the school’s approach to behaviourmanagement, curriculumdesign and safeguarding? Do you have a training plan in place to support them? Be aware that Ofsted inspectors may interviewNQTs as part of the inspection process. Under the new EIF, pupils and their workwill be muchmore in the spotlight – particularly through the deep dive process. Inspectors are likely to review aminimumof six pieces of pupil work fromeach lesson, and use learning walks and conversations to explore what they’ve retained. Be aware that Ofsted will no longer check on homework policies, or ask parents and carers for their views about this! NQT support With Ofsted having moved away from relying on internal data to assess the impact of a school’s curriculum, schools will need a clear rationale for any data collected. Is an appropriate balance being struck between gathering useful assessment information that informs the teaching of the curriculum, and the need to avoid over- burdening teachers? Be aware that Ofsted supports the position taken by the TeacherWorkload Advisory Group, which recommends nomore than two to three data drops per year. If schools choose to have more, there will need to a clear rationale as to why, and how this will bemanaged. MAY Assessment data JUNE Deep Dives Embrace the opportunity that Deep Dives present to witness your school in action. Inspections will involve a heightened focus on four to six subjects, across a variety of pupils and year groups. Be ready for the Deep Dive to explore: + Senior leaders’ intent for the curriculum in that particular subject + Curriculum leaders’ thinking and planning in relation to specific subjects + Lesson visits and evaluation of how lessons connect and build on each other + Discussions with teachers regarding a lesson’s purpose, its place in the broader sequence of learning and what they know about their pupils’ knowledge and understanding Does your curriculummodel fully deliver the national curriculum for KS3, or offer a course of similar breadth and ambition? Ofsted won’t look favourably on reducing the amount of time devoted to certain subjects at KS3 in a way that limits the depth of study. JULY Audit With exams almost over, why not take some time as a senior team to audit your existing curriculum, identify areas of strength and development and create an action plan for strengthening your 2020/21 curriculum? As you build a better picture of your current position, consider the pros and cons of your approach. If, say,your decisions around content are driven bywhat you feel students will find most interesting, can you be confident that you’re providing sufficient stretch and challenge? AUGUST Check your priorities Whilst the pupils are away enjoying their break, consider how they’re being encouraged to discover and pursue their own interests and passions. Is your curriculumunderpinned by efforts to develop future employability skills or cultural capital? Do you support achievement for each and every learner, whatever their starting point? The extent to which schools promote a broad range of knowledge and skills and teach a wide range of subjects is an important area of focus within the EIF. Be prepared to discuss your school’s curriculum priorities with Ofsted, and consider the power of pupil voice!