OFSTED - A Parent's Role
As a parent you play a crucial role in your child's development and achievement at school. That's why when your school has an OFSTED Inspection, you will be asked to take part. This guide outlines what will happen and how you will be involved.
OFSTED stands for the Office for Standards in Education. It has been set up by the Government to run inspections and monitor standards.
An OFSTED Inspection could be one of the most stressful things that could happen to your child's school, but it can also be one of the most useful too.
It is expected that your school will be inspected at least once every six years to judge how well the school is doing. The inspection team does this by going into school to see how things are done. They will read policies and speak to governors, heads and staff. They will also want to know what your views are.
Before the inspection starts, you will receive a questionnaire. You will then be invited to meet the inspectors to say what you think about the education your child receives and ask any questions about the inspection. You should go to the meeting ready to talk about your views of the school but you cannot discuss your child.
Whether or not you attend the meeting, the questionnaire will be an opportunity to make your views known and to help you focus on key matters.
Inspectors will want to know:
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what you are particularly proud of and what are your concerns
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how you become involved with the school
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what information the school provides for you - such as reports and parents' evenings
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your views on the values of the school, how it handles pupils' behaviour etc.
Inspectors want to see schools working normally, so lessons will take place as usual. Samples of class work will be looked at by inspectors. They will also visit lessons and talk to pupils about their work, possibly in some detail.
A report will be published, with a summary for parents. The school will send you the summary which contains the main findings and key issues for action by the school. You should ask at the school if you want to see the full report or purchase your own copy.
About six weeks after publication of the report, you will receive a copy of the action plan which the school has drawn up to help it continue to improve. School Governors must report on the progress of the action plan in their annual report to parents.
You can help your school by getting more involved. There is a lot you can do. You can help your child to learn at home and in the classroom or consider becoming a member of your PTA (Parent Teacher Association) - Refer to "Home and School Together|" for more information. You could also think about becoming a school governor (please speak to your school's headteacher if you are interested).
The Headteacher or Chairman of Governors at your child's school will always be pleased to help you.
Staffordshire Federation of Parent Teacher Associations
Mrs. Barbara Coppard
Secretary
24 Durham Drive
Rugeley
WS15 1LD
Tel: (01889) 570362
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