Agenda item

[Alex Chilcott, Head of Standards and Vulnerable Pupils, to present report on the Ofsted school inspection outcomes from the most recent cycle of inspections (April 2014 – November 2014)]

Alexandra Chilcott explained that 19 schools had been fully inspected and the report provides a summary of the judgements of Ofsted As a result of the Ofsted inspections Wolverhampton is expected to move up the league table.

The panel commented that the performance of secondary schools was much better than primary schools.  The panel commented about concerns from expressed by primary schools that they had not been properly supported by the school improvement team. Furthermore, there was surprise about the lack of support to help schools prepare for the Ofsted inspection.

Alexandra explained that due to budgetary pressures and changes in the service there is strong focus on challenging schools to prepare for the inspection and improve their service.  Alexandra explained that there are two primary school advisers that cover 80 primary schools, which makes it difficult to provide the kind of support that schools would like. There is no secondary school adviser.

In addition, schools can buy in additional support from other providers in preparation for an Ofsted inspection.

The panel commented on the results for Deansfield Secondary School which was now in special measures and queried the reasons for change. Alexandra explained that the result for Deansfield was a surprise. The Ofsted report had previously been subject to light touch inspection due its previous performance at GSCE. The effectiveness of school leadership was highlighted in the report.

A key factor in Deansfield school results was a national change which meant that vocational qualifications were no longer included in the calculation of the GCSE scores. This change had a massive difference to schools teaching a large number of vocational subjects. Deansfield School is currently looking for an academy sponsor.

The progress of the school is being reviewed every six weeks by the school improvement board. The school have been advised to make changes to their action plan. The school are also receiving support from inspection services.

Youth Council criticised the support given to Deansfield School and was concerned about the GSCE rate falling from 78% to 48%. Alexandra explained that the results are unvalidated and do not take account the work done with the school to improve its performance.  Alexandra commented on the support given to schools before an inspection by the school improvement service.

The panel commented on the ‘warning signs’ in respect of light touch schools and whether they the school inspectors could have picked up that there was an issue. Alexandra commented that the changes such as the appointment of a new Headteacher or changes in the membership of school governing bodies are situations where inspectors will look at a school.

Alexandra explained that all schools get a visit from the school improvement service and inspectors will consider risk factors and where there are concerns extra visits are arranged.

The panel welcomed the report and the improvements in the performance of schools that were inspected. The panel commented on whether the approach adopted by the service was too ‘heavy handed’ and affecting the relationship with schools. Alexandra commented on efforts to rebuild relationships with head teachers and the support offered to schools, for example, the weekly newsletter sent to schools.

Resolved

The panel welcomed the report. The panel agreed to receive a further update report in June 2015 on school inspection reports.