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Ofsted Inspection Handbook – Update
Ofsted have (1st October 2021) updated their Inspection Handbook. The Handbook describes the main activities carried out during inspections of maintained schools and academies in England (under section 5 of the Education Act 2005) and sets out the evaluation criteria that inspectors use to make their judgements and on which they report.
Although written primarily as guidance for Inspectors, the Ofsted Inspection Handbook is essential reading for governors and trustees.
To access the Ofsted Inspection Handbook click here.
If you would like to discuss how to your academy school or trust might optimally plan for an Ofsted Inspection (or indeed, have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
DfE consultation on Pupil Exclusions guidance
DfE have opened a consultation in respect of revising the guidance for schools on suspensions and permanent exclusions.
You can access the consultation here
The consultation period on this important topic closes on 31st March 2022.
If you would like to discuss Pupil Exclusions more broadly (or indeed, just have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
External reviews of governance: guide for schools and academy trusts
DfE has updated it’s guidance on how to arrange an effective external review of governance for a school or academy trust…so as to improve the performance of the governing body.
To access this material click here.
If you would like to discuss external reviews of governance more broadly (or indeed, just have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Ofsted to inspect all schools by 2025 after £24m funding boost
Ofsted will inspect all schools and further education providers by summer 2025 after receiving a £24 million boost to speed up visits.
Click here to read an in-depth article published by Schools Week on this.
If you would like to discuss how to your academy school or trust might optimally plan for an Ofsted Inspection (or indeed, have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Schools’ views on the perceived benefits and obstacles to joining a Multi-academy Trust
DfE have published an extremely interesting research report on the above which addresses the following questions:
# what are the experiences of schools or academies that have joined a MAT in the last couple of years?
# why have maintained schools decided not to convert to join a MAT?
# why have standalone academies not joined or formed a MAT?
and presents the difference between the experience of being within a MAT and perceptions of what being in a MAT would be like.
If you would like to discuss how to your school might optimally evaluate joining a Multi-academy Trust (or indeed, just have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
What schools can expect from Ofsted this term
Ofsted has returned to a full programme of inspections this term for the first time since the onset of the Covid crisis in March last year.
The NAHT union has produced new guidance to its members about what to expect if and when schools get the call. This covers – when schools will be inspected, how leaders can show Covid impact, and how sexual harassment claims will be treated.
To read a summary of this guidance published by TES, click here.
If you would like to discuss how to your academy school or trust might optimally plan for an Ofsted Inspection (or indeed, have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Statutory policies for schools and academy trusts
DfE have recently updated their guidance on the policies and documents that governing bodies and proprietors of schools must have.
To access this guidance click here.
If you would like to review how to ensure that your academy school or trust is properly meeting DfE requirements on Statutory Policies (or indeed, for a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Multi-academy trusts: establishing and developing your trust
DfE have updated their guidance on how MATs can grow their trust (including using a trust partnership arrangement).
To access the guidance in full, click here.
If you would like to review any aspect (whether at the “strategic review” level or to get a perspective on either
(a) the (sometimes tortuous) “machinery” of establishing a MAT or
(b) developing an established MAT or
(c) using a Trust Partnership agreement
do please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion (or indeed, for a basic and more general chat about what I do).
Welcome to a Multi-academy trust
NGA have updated their induction guide for new MAT trustees.
This is an excellent entry-level read if you are new to governing a multi academy trust board (MAT). It is also invaluable for those who want to refresh their knowledge and understanding of good governance practice.
Click here to access the publication.
If you would like to review any aspect of Multi-academy trust governance (generally or as it might impact your school or trust) do please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.