ofsted tomorrow, half the school out on residential trip, head teacher away

[legounderfoot]

It couldn't be much worse really.

It seems a bit unfair to do an inspection this close to the end of the summer term when things are winding down. Will it reflect badly on the school that all the older kids y4 up are out? I feel incredibly sorry for the teachers in all of this. It's a little school, so if Ofsted mark it down that could have a real impact on numbers. Please tell me this isn't as depressing as I think it is. I think they got Outstanding last time but I know the goalposts keep shifting. How on earth will the school show its best face a week before the school year ends with half of them away?

No doubt the teachers who are away on the residential will be delighted! Lessons will still be observed. A lot of the inspection involves looking at data and talking to the leadership team and Governors. Ofsted inspectors frequently visit schools at the beginning and end of term - they'll know what to expect at this time of the year. At least the teachers will have the holiday to look forward to when its all over!

But where is the Head ? I'd be surprised if he/she didn't change plans to be there.

The head is away on the residential. Presumably if ahe came back they'd need to find alternative staff to send to ensure they have the right ratio.

There are only 3 classes in the school: r/1, 2/3, and 4/5/6 and the top class is the one that's away. The inspection won't be very representative.

Wow that is tiny - my sons went to a First school with 450 and Middle with 600 children - both also oustanding schools. I would leave the worrying to the teachers - the head will be thinking how best to deal with this. Once Ofsted announce they are coming I'm sure there is no room for negogiation - all good schools tend to be "Ofsted ready' regardless of the time of the year.

I expect the Head will come back for at least one of the days.

Similar size to DDs school this year.

As for Ofsted, I'm afraid Ofsted will have already decided what they want to find.

I think you are right to worry. Of course the head has to stick to the original plan. Butt the deputy has to step up and make it all right. Make sure that all the parents fill in the Parent survey that gets sent out.

Heads very often go on residentials as an extra body and aren't counted in on the required ratios. I think you'll find he/she will be heading back if not already returned.

Lego, DS's school was inspected last year while the head was away... at an Ofsted convention! Apparently his deputy phoned and said 'You won't believe why we need to speak to you...'

I hate it when schools cancel all their plans just because of Ofsted. If they don't like it they should come back another day.

this is based on 'mock' inspections that many schools ask their LAs to carry out

more than half of secondary schools are now Academies, not connected to any LEA so they would have to pay for a visit - so chances are it won't be happening

primaries are converting too - sometimes against their own choice ....
any academy or free school has no official links to the LEA

Our last Ofsted happened on one of the majorly snowy days - half the pupils and staff didn't make it to school, and even the inspector was a couple of hours late.

It was rescheduled in the end.

If you want ofsted to turn up with little or no annoucement this will happen.