On Thursday 16 January 2020 over fifty governors and school leaders from schools in the South Cotswolds and Stroud braved the wet and windy weather to attend an evening training session led by Simon Rowe, Senior HMI, on the new Ofsted framework and hosted by The Corinium Education Trust. Trustees and members of our schools’ local governing bodies were pleased to welcome colleagues from other schools.

‘This was the third Trust training event we have opened up to other local schools. The presence of so many indicates the high level of interest in the new Ofsted framework and I am pleased we have been able to contribute to meeting the needs of others. We are committed to working in partnership. These local networking opportunities help us all support each other, share our knowledge and exchange good practice.’ Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive. 

Simon Rowe introduced governors to the new framework. He explained the context and the research evidence which underpins it. One salutary moment was when Simon invited us all to read a series of extracts with increasing amounts of unfamiliar vocabulary. This helped us understand the importance of teaching reading and comprehension.

‘The leadership team and I found the session informative and very helpful. It was especially relevant as we are preparing for some ‘deep dives’ as a part of The Corinium Education Trust’s Quality of Education Review this term.’ Karen Venner, Headteacher, Chesterton Primary School.

Simon Rowe took care to draw attention to the contribution governors are expected to make to school leadership and management and reminded everyone of their accountability. He also highlighted key questions for governors to think about and reflected on his experience of inspecting schools under the new framework since September 2019:

Governors and school leaders responded positively to Simon Rowe’s presentation. They appreciated his tone and guidance. He was able to respond to their questions; he provided both challenge and reassurance.

‘Thank you very much for the training on the new Ofsted framework and the implications for governors. It was very interesting to have an insight from a governor’s perspective. The evening not only provided useful information first hand from a HMI, but also the opportunity to listen to staff and governors from other schools questions and concerns. As with any event such as this the chance to meet with others before and after is also extremely valuable.’ Becki Gray, member of the Cirencester Deer Park School Local Governing Body and Senior Teacher and Staff Governor at North Cerney Primary School.