If I were HMCI I would avoid putting in place any system that placed teachers and leaders under more pressure. It’s really not hard to do, but I fear that is exactly what is going to happen.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the consultations for the last two schedules. Sadly, the sector’s wishes were largely ignored especially with the EIF. A confrontational inspection regime, enforcing DfE policy (while pretending it doesn’t) serves schools and parents badly.

#Ofsted’s Big Listen seems to have been anything but, especially in relation to what schools & the profession wanted: fewer judgements, less confrontational/adversarial. Instead there’ll be more & attendance judged too. Increased stress on staff/leaders inevitable if this goes ahead.

Plus using colours rather than grades - we see you #Ofsted, we see you!

So #Ofsted planning a 5 point grading system across ( checks reports) 10 areas? Off the scale madness.

Reports that #Ofsted could start grading the quality of teaching separately again would be a retrograde step for many reasons, not least that it will inevitably pile extra pressure on teachers and do nothing to help recruitment and retention.

So pleased to see single word judgements gone. I was part of round table discussions before the last revision to the schedule & there was no appetite for them then. Government wouldn’t listen to the lobbying & took no notice of recommendations. Change has been too slow coming but it’s here at last!

Interesting to see the article in TES by John Uttley which reflected my earlier post about attendance post Covid. It’s one of the biggest challenges many schools face.

Lots of people enjoying the last bank holiday of the summer. A large group pitched up on the green above our beach with a gazebo. They had fun, played games & made merry all day. At sunset they packed up and left leaving nothing but memories behind. Good in them!

Looking at the early GCSE data & reflecting on the different gaps. We know the disadvantaged gap grows as pupils get older. Schools alone can’t tackle all the issues but can & should make a difference by focusing on the things they CAN influence. What goes on in the classroom is key to success.

Of course, this year’s GCSE cohort had a disrupted journey to their exams as did Y13s to their A levels. The last government did nothing practical or financial to help bridge the gaps, ignoring their own advisor’s recommendations to do so. They let our pupils down.

I’ve finally done something with this account and written a post. Was on the X site as SailingAway @heatherleatt

GCSE results tomorrow. Joy for many, disappointment for some, especially the forgotten third that will score less than a 4 especially in English and maths. Have long felt the current system does pupils and schools a huge disservice.