Demystifying Ofsted: Outstanding

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 127: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Shannen Doherty and the leadership team of St. George's Primary School in an attempt to demystify what "Outstanding" looks like in 2023 for primary schools. Using their recent Ofsted report as a stimulus, we explore...

1. "Behaviour is exemplary"...how would you describe the systems you’ve put in place to make this possible?

2. In the report, your curriculum is described as "ambitious". What do you think makes your curriculum ambitious?

3. How do you find time to give subject leaders release time every week?

4. The report also says that you give "careful thought about what pupils need to know". How did you go about this process and how long did it take you because I know it was a journey rather than something that happened overnight.

5. Your pupils enjoy "an impressive start" - what is your EYFS sequence like and what would you say characterises the experience of these pupils?

6. You "systematically check what pupils know and understand". What does this look like in the classroom?

7. In your opinion, what makes your school outstanding?

Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one.

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