The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2023. - Magazine - Page 27
Some school leaders had concerns
about the workload of the ECF
programme for ECTs and school
mentors. Our inspections did find that
workload pressures affected the quality
of mentoring. Mentors need to have
the curriculum expertise and
experience and be given appropriate
time to provide effective support. This
will help ECTs become confident and
competent to teach their chosen
subjects and phases.
Some lead providers could have given
more support to mentors. This would
enable mentors to use their knowledge
and experience to contextualise what
ECTs are learning. This would help those
new to teaching make the link between
theory and what they find in their
schools.
Preparing for full inspections
During the summer term, we ran a
series of evaluation events with lead
providers and inspectors. The events
reflected on the LPMVs and considered
any aspects of the inspection process
we needed to change or improve.
For example, we have now streamlined
the information we require before
inspection. This will help to reduce
the burden on the lead provider.
Following this, we conducted 2 full
inspection pilots, one for ECF and one
for NPQ, in the autumn term.
We wanted to test some revisions
we have made to make sure the
inspection process works well for
everyone involved. Both inspectors
and lead providers were positive about
our updated approach.
We have also added further clarification
to the notification letter to lead
providers. The letter explains how to
share information about the inspection
with stakeholders. This includes how to
distribute our 4, survey links. The views
we gather through the surveys provide
valuable insights, and we received a high
number of responses during the LPMVs.
The responses help inspectors to form
an accurate picture of the quality of the
ECF and NPQ programmes.
Looking ahead to full
inspections
Changes we are making ahead
of full inspections
We will begin full inspections of the lead
providers delivering ECF and NPQ
programmes from the spring term 2023.
As a result of this testing and
engagement, we have made some
updates to our inspection handbook.
We have refined the outstanding
criteria to draw a greater distinction
between good and outstanding. For
instance, we have made it clear that
outstanding providers must
demonstrate meticulous curriculum
planning.
To help with preparation for this,
we will be holding webinars during
December. These will be for delivery
partners, trainers and facilitators,
mentors and programme participants.
We would like to encourage school
leaders to join one of the webinars.
You can get in touch with your delivery
partner or lead provider for details of
how to attend these events.