The new Ofsted framework in September 2019 will affect every school in the country.
A key focus will be on early reading and the teaching of phonics in primary schools. “There are signs that early reading is not as well embedded as it could be. We know this has a disproportionately negative impact on disadvantaged children who might not get the same reading opportunities at home,” Amanda Spielman, HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, October 2018.
Primary schools who can demonstrate a focus on phonics as a transition into independent reading will be rewarded with higher grades.
“We believe that this new judgement will allow Ofsted to recognise primary schools that, for example, prioritise phonics and the transition into early reading, and which encourage older pupils to read widely and deeply.”
The new judgement called ‘quality of education’ will replace the old ‘outcomes for pupils’ in the new 2019 framework. The shift away from outcomes measures and move towards an analysis of the quality of provision makes it easier to recognise and reward the good work done by schools in areas of high disadvantage. “I want to make sure that at Ofsted, we focus on the ‘how’ and the ‘what’: the essence of what performance tables cannot capture”, says Amanda Spielman.
The focus on phonics provision is welcomed as this will lead to better outcomes for children. Help your school prepare for the changes by investing in a phonics approach that delivers for pupils. The programme that schools choose is important. Monster Phonics is a DfE recognised scheme, a synthetic phonics approach that captivates children.
You can read the full speech here
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/amanda-spielman-speech-to-the-schools-northeast-summit