Dear Parents & Carers
ST LOYS FAMILY – WE ARE SO PROUD OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!
So, you will have noticed that a couple of visitors in the guise of Ofsted inspectors, took our attention this week and despite the very natural nerves, we were extremely happy to greet them. We have waited, unbelievably, since 2007 for an update to our inspection record!
The inspection team was led by Mr Damien Turrell and supported on Day 1 by Mr Jason Brooks, both with vast Head Teacher experience as well as having led many inspections for Ofsted. The newly updated Ofsted framework only came in to active use in September 2021 and comes with a far more rigorous approach particularly with subject scrutiny. This is known as a “deep dive” with no stone left unturned as the subject is analysed from every possible angle including pupil book scrutiny; planning and curriculum mapping; teacher and subject leader interviews; pupil discussions and pupil progress as well as visiting several lessons at varying times of the day. There has been the additional focus this year in ascertaining how schools have managed to maintain standards and coped with the pressures of the pandemic. This included scrutiny of our remote learning provision during lockdown, wellbeing support for families and staff as well as a focus on “catch up” support for many pupils following the return to school. All in all, an extremely rigorous and in depth inspection that has covered all aspects of school life.