Three satisfactories = special measures: Ofsted rings more changes

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, has proposed that the both the ‘Satisfactory’ and ‘notice to improve’ categories should be abolished and replaced with one new category ‘requires improvement’. 

In particular, he highlighted the fact that too many schools have been judged ‘satisfactory’ in successive inspections. His view is that if after two inspection cycles schools have not improved then more drastic measures are needed. His proposal is that if a school judged satisfactory/‘requiring improvement’ in each of its last two inspections has not improved sufficiently to be classed as good in its next inspection, then in future it would automatically be placed in special measures. The maximum gap between inspections would also be reduced to between 12-18 months. Sir Michael noted that 3,000 schools have been judged satisfactory in their last two inspections and of these 300 are in relatively affluent areas. A list of these schools along with a list of 700 schools in the most deprived areas which have improved from satisfactory to good or outstanding can be found via the link to Sir Michael’s statement below. Any changes will be the subject of consultation.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, voiced his support for the proposals by saying “I don't want the word 'satisfactory' to exist in our education system. Just good enough' is frankly not good enough. Every teacher, every head and every school should be aiming for excellence – no lower."

Christine Blower, the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, responded to the proposal by stating that labelling schools as coasting and underperforming was “derogatory and insulting to pupils, teachers, school leaders and governors.” The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) announced qualified support for the proposals, but expressed concern about the fact that the changes had been announced without warning when a new framework had only just been implemented.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/news/ofsted-announces-scrapping-of-%E2%80%98satisfactory%E2%80%99-judgement-move-designed-help-improve-education-for-mill?news=18389

http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/coasting-schools/

http://www.teachers.org.uk/node/14779

New Year Honours for School Governors

The following school governors have been appointed MBEs in the New Year Honours: Michael Bonsier (Surrey), Len Cockcroft (Cumbria), Derek Connelly (Essex), George Davies (Cleveland), Dr Charles Gould (Northern Ireland), Alan Goulding (Lincolnshire), Colin Henry (Surrey), Gustav Macleod (Tyne and Wear), Derek Nicholson (Northumberland), Vernon Petherick (Hampshire), and John Waugh (Tyne and Wear). Eleven governors is a record


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200708

NPQH to become optional with effect from early 2012

The NPQH  Qualification is to become non mandatory from next year, prospective head teachers will be able to take a new enhanced qualification.

The current qualification – the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) – is to be overhauled to allow prospective head teachers from all types of schools the chance to develop the best skills for the job.

All first-time head teachers in the maintained sector are currently required to hold the NPQH.

As signalled in the Schools White Paper 'The Importance of Teaching', the National College was asked to review the qualification to ensure it matches the best in the world, learns from other leading qualifications such as MBAs, meets the highest standards for leadership development and is based on what is required to be an effective head teacher.

In the light of the review, Ministers have today announced that:

• NPQH will become optional with effect from early 2012 – subject to the Parliamentary process – and developed for all prospective heads in both the maintained and the non-maintained sector such as academies and independent schools.

• The bar for entry and assessment for the qualification will be raised.

• The content made more demanding through the introduction of a core curriculum focusing on the key skills of headship including leadership of teaching and learning, and with a greater emphasis on behaviour.

• The revised qualification will be launched in spring 2012 with the first participants starting in September 2012.

NGA Press Release

The NGA welcomes the announcement by the Department for Education that the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) is to be made more rigorous. A redesigned NPQH must ensure that prospective heads have the full range of skills and knowledge to lead schools effectively not only in terms of teaching and learning but in managing the organisation. School governors are responsible for appointing headteachers and the NGA is not clear how making the qualification non-compulsory will improve the quality of headship candidates.


DfE Press release  http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00200533/overhaul-of-head-teachers-qualification-to-help-train-the-next-generation-of-great-school-leaders