Agenda item

Agenda item

Ofsted Inspections of Manchester Schools

To receive a list of all Manchester schools which have been inspected since the last meeting and the judgements awarded.

 

To consider inspection reports for a selection of the schools.

Minutes:

The Subgroup received a list of all Manchester schools which had been inspected since the last meeting and the judgements awarded. The Senior School Quality Assurance Officer provided an overview of the list, commenting that no inspections were undertaken in the first week of term starting in September. She informed the Subgroup that seven school inspections had been undertaken to date, with four reports published at the time of the agenda being published for this meeting. 

 

Members commented that the new format of Ofsted reports was significantly shorter and lacking the detail that had been provided in previous reports. Members commented on the use of language throughout the reports, stating that in places it was ambiguous and questioned whether it was the most appropriate to use. Members also debated the application of phonics as an appropriate method for the teaching of reading and writing that was a common theme throughout the reports. Officers responded that this was always used in an age appropriate manner to encourage and support the development of reading and writing.

 

The Senior School Quality Assurance Officer acknowledged the comments from Members regarding the brevity of the reports and stated that schools did receive a more detailed and comprehensive oral report from inspectors following the conclusion of an inspection. Officers reported that schools were always recommended to complete their own comprehensive notes from those meetings, as the level of detail that was relayed at those meetings was not included in the final published Ofsted report. Officers also commented that the language used and format of reports had been agreed following consultation, adding that all reports were quality assured both locally and regionally by Ofsted prior to their publication.

 

The Subgroup considered the recent Ofsted inspection report for Abbey Hey Primary Academy which had been judged as Good. Members noted the positive comments throughout the report and a member of the Subgroup, who was also a Ward Councillor for the area in which the school was located, commented on the positive contribution the Principal had made to the school. Officers acknowledged this comment and informed the Subgroup that the Principal had offered to share his knowledge and experience of the inspection process with other schools, which was welcomed.

 

The Executive Member for Children and Schools paid tribute to the staff at the school and reported that the school worked very well with parents and contributed positively to the local community. He said he had witnessed this when he had visited the school; however, unfortunately this important element was not captured in the new reporting format.

 

The Subgroup considered the recent Ofsted inspection report for Benchill Primary School which had been judged as Good. Members welcomed the report noting the many positive examples of good practice that had been identified by the Inspectors, particularly in regard to the children’s enjoyment of reading.

 

The Subgroup considered the recent Ofsted inspection report for Collyhurst Nursery School which had been judged as Outstanding. Members commented that this was an extremely positive report and demonstrated the invaluable contribution nurseries could have on children. The Executive Member for Children and Schools stated that he would be meeting with the nursery school in the near future to discuss the long term funding of the provision and to understand how best the City Council could support them in the national campaign to secure better funding. 

 

The Subgroup considered the recent Ofsted inspection report for Longsight Community Primary School which had been judged as continuing to be Good. Members commented upon the very positive report that had identified the significant and positive contribution the school had in the local community. Members specifically noted the comment that described children loving their lessons, stating that this was indicative of dedicated staff and a well-led school. A Member commented that the school was at the heart of the local community and he paid tribute to the Headteacher. A Member recommended that a visit to the school should be arranged for Members for the Subgroup and that an invitation also be sent to the Ward Councillors. 

 

Decisions

 

1. To write to all of the Schools considered by the Subgroup at this meeting to congratulate them on their recent Ofsted report.

 

2. To arrange a visit to Longsight Community Primary School for Members of the Subgroup and that an invitation also be sent to the Ward Councillors.

Supporting documents: