What governors need to know about Ofsted inspections

Consultancy

This evening, it was time to train governors at Huntley C of E Primary School in Gloucestershire (https://www.huntleyprimaryschool.co.uk/) all about Ofsted inspections on behalf of the Governor Services team at Gloucestershire County Council. Given the ongoing roadworks and bridge repairs along the A40 near Over, it was decided to opt for a virtual session to enable as many members of …

One for teachers before the end of Term 2

GlosGeog

Another GlosGeog event before the end of Term 2, but this time aimed at teachers. We were very lucky to be able to secure Dr Rebecca Kitchen, Head of Professional Development at the Geographical Association (GA), to update us about Ofsted’s EIF and the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR), contemplating what it means for geography. Becky had delivered an in …

Time for another Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting!

Consultancy

A busy couple of weeks ahead for me, engaging with over 60 schools, either virtually or in situ, as part of the first round of Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meetings this academic year. Due to Sandra Parker’s growing commitments at GLOSSI (Gloucestershire’s School Improvement Service), the baton for oversight of primary geography has now been handed to the …

A little variety for the last week of Term 6!

ConsultancyOnline Safety

The last week of term for many, but no let up for me! Ron Richards asked if I would conduct an Online Safety Mark (OSM) assessment at Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, Worcestershire (https://www.princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk/) and complete the follow-up report before the end of this academic year. So, today, I set off early, thankfully in slightly lower temperatures than of …

Virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting (3)

Consultancy

Thursday morning saw our final virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting of this academic year, which had a focus on quality assurance (QA). Presenting alongside myself was Mark Enser, former National Lead for Geography for Ofsted as well as an HMI and now offering independent support to schools. We were joined by representatives from over 30 schools across …

Twilight CPD session (Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools)

Consultancy

This afternoon, it was the turn of staff at Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools in Swindon, Wiltshire, to receive some twilight training. Having previously worked with their Geography and History Subject Leaders and had lengthy discussions with the Headteacher, I had a clear insight into their current whole school geography and history curricula, plus cohort and surroundings. Between us, we …

History’s turn now!

Consultancy

This week has been devoted to bespoke CPD. Today, it was a session with the History Subject Leaders at Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools near Swindon, Wiltshire (https://www.olivertomkinsschools.co.uk/swindon/primary/olivertomkins). Prior to this morning’s virtual session, there had been a brief conversation and number of e-mails sent between myself, the Headteacher and History Subject Leaders to share documentation and establish ‘where they were at’. This …

A spot of bespoke CPD (geography)

Consultancy

This week has been devoted to bespoke CPD. Today, it was a session with the Geography Subject Leader at Oliver Tomkins C of E VA Schools near Swindon, Wiltshire (https://www.olivertomkinsschools.co.uk/swindon/primary/olivertomkins). Prior to this morning’s virtual session, there had been a brief conversation and number of e-mails sent between myself, the Headteacher and Geography Subject Leader to share documentation and establish …

Virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting (2)

Consultancy

It seemed quite a while since our last meeting (October 2024); just the way terms and holidays have fallen. However, we finally managed to get together once again for the second virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network (PGSLN) meeting of this academic year. On board this morning were representatives from over 35 schools across England, some familiar faces alongside a few …