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Will Ofsted’s new framework shift the balance of power?

PAGE 5 Council schools’ spending left unchecked for nearly 20 years 2,200 schools not audited for more than 5 years, with 3 last checked in 1999 LA schools broke rules over tax checks, pay rises and contracts, but no details

Academies minister hatching plans to ‘level playing field’ on transparency P7 INVESTIGATES @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

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JESS STAUFENBERG HOW MANY APPLICATIONS FOR PUPIL REMOVALS WERE TURNED DOWN? @STAUFENBERGJ

KEY STAGE 4 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

The government has refused No of applications submitted 7,641 12,076 12,221 nearly 7,000 requests from As % of all pupils 1.4% 2.3% 2.3% schools for their pupils’ GCSE No of applications approved 5,809 8,988 5,360 scores to be wiped from league tables after applications As % of all applications 76% 74% 44% rocketed following the introduction of Progress 8. worked under. schools are “accountable for the pupils removed from their Schools can apply for the “The DfE has taken the view performance of pupils across performance data, this is results of seriously ill pupils that the system is being abused the attainment spectrum, not only allowed in exceptional or those in police custody or and has tightened up the just at the level 3/4 or C/D circumstances. who are home-educated to be application process as a result,” border as they were previously”. “This is reflected by the fact “disapplied” from performance he said. A spokesperson added: “As a that despite there being a rise data, on the grounds that “But most schools don’t result schools are incentivised in applications, the proportion teachers cannot reasonably ‘game’ the system and we’re to consider the needs of pupils of successful applications for be held responsible for their concerned that perfectly regardless of their predicted disapplication has gone down.” outcomes. reasonable applications are grades. Whilst some schools, However the FOI data shows New data, obtained after a turned down.” appear to have responded primary school applications freedom of information request The government has by applying to have more have remained stable. by Schools Week, shows the altered its guidance this number of requests for year year so schools must now 11 pupils has ballooned from provide evidence to support 7,641 in 2015-16 (1.4 per cent of applications to disapply pupils pupils) to 12,221 last year (2.3 with “frequent or long periods per cent). of non-attendance”. Exciting Teaching However, the government For example. they must has got tough on approving provide supporting evidence of Opportunities Within applications – just 44 per cent their efforts to get the pupil to got the green light last year, attend. compared with 74 per cent in Some heads said the system 2016-17. was being abused. One claimed PRIMARY TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR The data backs up claims a school tried to disapply up to Monday 21st January 2019, 4 7pm, Holiday Inn, Sutton from headteachers, reported a quarter of its year 11s. by Schools Week in October, However, the crackdown has that more requests have been led to concerns over inclusive refused after updated guidance schools being clobbered. said schools must provide Kenton School academy, in Cirrus Primary Academy Trust was incorporated rigorous evidence. Newcastle, had disapplication in June 2015 as a multiacademy trust for One school had requests requests for 11 pupils rejected We have a number of teaching positions available refused for two pupils who were this September, despite two within the Trust for teachers at all levels of in police custody on the day of pupils being in police custody experience. There is no better place to develop your their exams, and for another during their exams. Sarah teaching career than Cirrus Primary Academy Trust. pupil who was sectioned under Holmes-Carne, the principal, We are passionate about everything we do and we the mental health act. said the government’s blanket strive to help teachers reach their full potential and go on to have long and successful careers. Once you Geoff Barton, general refusals were giving schools are a member of the trust, there is plenty of scope for secretary of the Association of like hers “less incentive to be career progression and specialised teaching. School and College Leaders, inclusive”. said the rise in applications The government admitted the Please join us at the Holiday Inn, Gibson Road, Sutton, SM1 2RF on Monday 21st January 2019. was “not surprising” given surge in applications followed Light refreshments available. the increasingly high the introduction of Progress 8 For details of upcoming open days at individual accountability stakes schools performance measures – where schools, please visit: jobs.cirrustrust.uk

4 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 News: Ofsted DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

Foundation subjects sidelined in primaries Ofsted study backs JESS STAUFENBERG up pledge to change @STAUFENBERGJ unfair grading of Nearly half of primary schools scored poorly in Ofsted’s latest curriculum study, poor schools although the watchdog has insisted it won’t “downgrade vast numbers” when its new framework is introduced in September. JESS STAUFENBERG Research published on Tuesday showed @STAUFENBERGJ that 15 of 33 primaries schools inspected “implementation”. scored either a 1 or 2 for their curriculum “Intent” will cover rationale, ambition and (based on a five-point scoring system, where Schools in the most deprived communities concepts, and “implementation” will cover 5 is the highest). The inspectorate found a focus on English outscored their more affluent counterparts assessment, as well as subject knowledge, and maths had sidelined foundation in Ofsted’s new quality of curriculum study – equitable delivery, planning the progression subjects. suggesting the watchdog’s new focus could model, breadth and depth. For instance, seven of the 33 primaries had turn the tables on schools in poor areas being Stephen Tierney, chair of the Headteachers’ a “complete absence” of curriculum design unfairly graded. Roundtable, said Ofsted needs to answer in humanities. But Ofsted held its hands up over the However, sector leaders have shot down how exactly it will measure the “impact” of a findings, admitting the watchdog was “in hopes, claiming the inspectorate won’t curriculum, stating they will struggle not to part to blame” for “intensifying performance have time to do such detailed curriculum use a school’s progress data. data rather than complementing it”. assessments during proper inspections under He warned there would be an “outcry” from Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector, its new framework next September. schools with strong progress data who found also insisted it was not “raising the bar”. “That means explicitly that we will not be Ofsted published the findings of its third themselves in one of Ofsted’s bottom two ‘downgrading’ vast numbers of primary or phase of curriculum research on Tuesday, judgments under the new framework. secondary schools. with 64 schools visited and scored across 25 “Imagine your school has got a great “Instead, we recognise that curriculum indicators for the intent, implementation and Progress 8 score and you find yourself in thinking has been deprioritised in the impact of their curriculum. ‘requires improvement’ all of a sudden system for too long, including by Ofsted.” She reiterated a commitment to keep the The study found a higher proportion of because of your curriculum – and another overall proportions of schools achieving schools in the most deprived communities (69 school with rubbish progress data has got a each grade “roughly the same between the per cent) scored in the top three of five grades better judgment than you.” old framework and the new framework”. for their curriculum compared with those in Instead, Ofsted should consider comparing Change was not expected overnight. “The the most affluent areas (62 per cent). schools’ data with other, similar schools, new framework represents a process of evolution rather than revolution.” Ofsted also stated there was only a “weak” rather than against a national average, or The study found primaries mostly fell positive correlation between schools’ current reweighting pupils’ data in schools so it down on humanities, arts and technology. Ofsted grades and their curriculum score. reflects the challenges of the demographic But they scored well in English and maths. Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said this intake, he said. However, as previous Ofsted research suggests the new inspection framework, which Ofsted’s own data shows schools in richer found, some primary schools practised SATs as early as Christmas in year 6, and focused will be published in draft form for consultation areas with more affluent pupil intakes are on comprehension papers rather than in the new year, will “reward schools in more than twice as likely as those in the most encouraging children to read. challenging circumstances that are raising deprived areas to be graded ‘outstanding’. The latest study found almost all primaries standards through strong curricula”. Tierney also said that if the old framework used topics or themes as their way of She added “under the current system it is doesn’t correlate clearly with curriculum, as teaching the foundation subjects. However, the schools that were “most invested” in harder to get a good or outstanding grade Ofsted has suggested, then “what on earth curriculum design had a “clear focus on the if your test scores are low” as a result of a should be happening to all those judgments subject knowledge” with topics designed “challenging or deprived intake”. that disadvantaged schools are stuck with?” around that. But there are big questions over how the “It’s a question Ofsted really need to answer. Secondaries fared better with 16 of the results of this study will translate in real To be honest, it’s beginning to look a bit of a 29 visited scoring either a 4 or 5 for their curriculum, with art subjects “particularly inspections. shambles.” strong”. Inspectors won’t have time to check the Ofsted said the research has “informed But a lack of subject specialists was 25 indicators used in its recent research, thinking” on its approach to curriculum for the impacting successful curriculum design in Spielman has admitted, and so instead new framework. modern foreign languages, with history also these have been boiled down and divided “less well organised” in some schools. between the two key areas of “intent” and

5 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected]

Six things we learned from the government’s data dump

Dozens of documents spilled out from various arms of government yesterday (Thursday) as Whitehall mandarins sought to ‘take out the trash’ before Christmas recess. Schools Week’s reporters were on hand to ensure nothing was missed. Here’s the round-up:

 Early phonics achievers three School staff faced fewer exam 1 times more likely to ace key 4malpractice penalties stage 2 reading test The number of teachers facing penalties for exam malpractice fell this year, but the number of pupils Pupils who pass the phonics reading screening check on their first rapped for taking in banned items such as mobile attempt are almost three times more likely to meet the “expected phones to exams rose by more than a fifth. standard” in reading at key stage 2. The number of penalties issued to staff for helping New data shows 30 per cent who fail to reach the expected standard pupils cheat or for maladministration of exams fell by in phonics still go on to reach the expected standard, 40 per cent after rocketing figures the year before. However, they have compared with 88 per cent of those who pass phonics first yet to return to pre-2017 levels. time. The number of penalties issued to schools or colleges also fell from 165 The phonics check is carried out in year 1, but those who in 2017 to 93 this year. do not reach the government’s expected standard take it again in year 2. Exam security breaches down, National Reference Test maths 5despite Twitter leaks 2scores increased The number of security breaches related to GCSE and A-level exams fell by 40 per cent this year, despite a number The second annual NRT has shown improvement in maths, of high-profile leaks on social media. but no real change for English language. In its 2018 summer exam series report, Ofqual reported 68 security Ofqual introduced the test last year to provide more breaches in 2018, down from 114 in 2017. Fifty-nine per cent were as a information about the awarding of GCSEs. result of schools or colleges opening, and sometimes handing out, the According to Ofqual, the results – which are reported at grade 7, grade wrong paper. 5 and grade 4 – suggest teachers have become more familiar with the It follows a number of high-profile cases in which questions or other new maths GCSE requirements. details were shared on social media.

However, there is little change in the English language results, with Ofqual also reported 90 errors in exam questions or materials, down fewer pupils achieving the standard grade 4 pass. from 101 last year. From next year Ofqual will consider evidence from the tests in May to decide whether to make an adjustment to the summer grades. The pupil nationality data GCSE grade changes declined 6 collection missed more than 3by 23 per cent one million pupils The government failed to obtain nationality data for 17.8 per cent of This year, 57,100 GCSE grades were changed at marking pupils in this year’s spring census. This equates to more than 1.4 million review, compared with 73,840 last year, which cut the children. proportion of grades that were changed from 1.4 per cent to 1.1 per cent. It is also missing country of birth data for 16 per cent of children.

Ofqual said this year’s changes were “more consistent with the The gap follows an outcry over the controversial policy and a boycott by appropriate application of our rules regarding reviews of marking parents and schools. and reviews of moderation” introduced two years ago. A duty for schools to collect pupil nationality and country Although the number of changed A-level grades fell from of birth data was introduced in 2016, but was eventually 14,665 to 12,140, there was a slight increase in the proportion scrapped earlier this year following a number of legal compared with last year, from 1 per cent in 2017 to 1.2 per cent. challenges.

6 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Investigation: School finances CONTACT US [email protected]

The schools that slip through the council financial net JOHN DICKENS | @JOHNDICKENSSW

Supporters say that the finances of local authority schools are better scrutinised than the balance sheets of academies. But a Schools Week investigation shows many council schools have not been audited for years

housands of council schools have compared with the government’s grasp on finance checks. Just 26 confirmed they had not had their finances independently academies. audited all their schools within the past five Tscrutinised for more than five years - However, councils say they have more years. with three last audited by their local authority mechanisms than just internal audits to check At least 44 councils have not audited some nearly 20 years ago. on finances, with one union boss claiming of their schools for five years – a total of at Schools Week can also reveal that council schools don’t feel “exposed”, despite the lack of least 2,200. schools have been breaking rules over tax audits. In Essex, three schools were last audited in checks, issuing contracts and unauthorised Schools can also pay for their own external 1999. More than 100 of its 272 schools haven’t pay rises for staff. audits. been audited in more than ten years. And not all councils check that schools have Our investigation also reveals disparity The council said internal audit was one implemented recommendations from their over transparency of finance checks, with the of a “number of assurance mechanisms”, audits. government now considering how to make including schools’ own statutory self- Our investigation reveals concerns over the “playing field of transparency” between assessments, monitoring by the council’s council oversight of schools spending, with academies and council schools “more level”. schools finance team, and evaluations more than 2,200 schools not audited by their visits from the Essex Education Service, the local authority in more than five years. Financial oversight council’s privatised school support arm. The findings challenge claims by supporters Schools Week obtained freedom of information Forty-five schools in Central Bedfordshire of the local authority-maintained system that requests from 86 local authorities relating to have not been audited in five years, with councils have better oversight of their schools oversight and transparency of their school three last visited in 2003. Ten of the 208

7 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Investigation: School finances CONTACT US [email protected]

Gloucestershire schools not inspected in more the public domain as part of reports to audit it was up to a school’s senior management than five years were last visited in 2001, and committees. to decide whether to accept internal audit four of the 120 in Liverpool were last visited Only basic information is provided. For recommendations, and how to implement more than 13 years ago. instance, a “no assurance” audit report of them. A Local Government Association Waulud primary school in Luton, from January spokesperson said councils “always maintain last year, found two contracts totalling more How does this compare to good and close ongoing relationships with than £70,000 had been purchased with the same academies? schools” that “in many cases go beyond the IT firm, despite one quote. Supporters of the local authority-maintained need for an audit”. Five teachers were also given a pay rise school system argue it has better oversight They said council schools had to submit without proper authorisation or documentation. of schools than the government provides for draft budgets every year for approval, and a A “common findings” report based on audits academies. three-year budget forecast. in Cheshire East last year found key financial However, our figures suggest that isn’t The cost of audits falling on school management responsibility and processes were always the case. budgets also meant that any “cutbacks are not documented, which “may lead to fraud or Every academy trust has two audits a year, symptomatic of the wider squeeze on school waste”. one of which is by an independent audit firm. and council funding”. Whistleblowing policies were not kept up If accounts are submitted to the government Julia Harnden, a funding specialist at the to date, with purchase orders not correctly late, trusts are named and shamed. Association of School and College Leaders, approved, which could “increase the risk of Local authority audits do relate to specific said “the public should be reassured there inappropriate expenditure and misuse of public schools, while academy audits relate to are mechanisms in place to ensure financial funds”. academy trusts. However, the most recent oversight”. In Sutton, south London, one school – not sector report shows that most trusts (1,976) She said schools also fell under external named – was found to have breached rules over had just one school. Of the 987 multi- audits of local authority finances. “Our not doing tax checks (IR35) on staff, or making academy trusts, more than half (511) had two concern would be if schools felt exposed by inappropriate payments via main bank accounts or three schools – meaning most schools are having fewer local authority audits and rather than on payroll. visited as part of the audits. Schools Week would like the assurance of this process. Staff were approving expenditure without understands that in larger trusts – where We haven’t picked up concerns so far, getting required approval from the governing finance functions are run centrally – only a but we will keep an eye on how this issue body; another case included funds that should sample of schools are visited. progresses.” “go through the main account” being paid into Audit findings from individual academies “unofficial fund account”. aren’t routinely published, but detailed Tax breaches, expenses and These cases were all listed as “high” priority expenditure from the audits are published via unauthorised pay rises audit findings, but no further information was annual accounts. Schools Week asked for the findings from provided. Similar spending for council schools is council audits in the past three years. Two In Medway, Kent, a headteacher at one school hard to track down as it is reported in council councils, Camden and Redbridge, both had been authorising her own expenses, while annual accounts – which cover much larger in north London, refused to release the staff at another school were using their own expenditure across the authority, so have information, saying it would “prejudice” their loyalty cards on school purchases, despite the much less detail. ability to audit schools. school having similar loyalty cards. Sanctions for not following rules under Hackney in east London wouldn’t provide In Cheshire East, a general findings document the academies system also seem basic findings because it said publicising had concerns over recording pupil premium harsher. Councils allow schools details could make schools “vulnerable to funding, with no spreadsheets retained for time to those who would seek to exploit a weakness spending and invoices not clearly referenced. for criminal benefit”. Councils said that recommendations were However, most councils did provide details normally followed up to check of the recommendations made after audits they were implemented. – many of which were also released in But one council, Solihull, said

8 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Investigation: School finances CONTACT US [email protected]

implement recommendations, while academy “In the academy sector, you have more trusts can face their funding being pulled. WHAT ELSE WAS freedom and with that is the ability to do more The government also has a better track GOING ON IN 1999? wrongdoing should you wish to do so. But record of publishing information and there’s more accountability and checking by • Tony Blair was in his investigations in such cases. independent people. Wrongdoing is much second year as prime Twenty-five of the councils said they did not minister more likely to be found out.” publish any findings from audit reports in the • Tragedy by Steps was at public domain. Although most councils do, the ‘Levelling up’ the the top of the charts information is normally basic and not always transparency gap held in a single or easily accessible format. • The Matrix and Our investigation also reveals councils are American Beauty were Meanwhile, the government publishes a stepping away from routine inspections. released in cinemas raft of notices relating to academy finances, While many councils audited schools on including financial notices to improve, and • The London Eye was routine cycles – ranging from between every opened finance and governance reviews. three to seven years – others are moving to The government publishes investigations only auditing when risks are flagged. into academy trusts in all but “the most But the government wants to shake things exceptional circumstances”, but Schools Week £1.4 million in unlawful bonuses. up. Lord Agnew, the academies minister, has extensively reported cases that suggest Davies had ran Copland Community School, told Schools Week the “playing field” of this isn’t always the case. in Wembley, north London, for 20 years transparency between council and academy At least 14 investigations were launched on until he was suspended in 2009. In 2013 he schools “should be more level”. the back of council audit reports, but not one pleaded guilty to creating a false paper trail on He said the government was “considering council would provide a copy of the report or bonuses and allowances, and was stripped of a how this might be best achieved without detailed information. knighthood. creating unnecessary burdens. Lambeth Council also refused a request The council said that in one year alone Davies “It has always been the case that academy by Schools Week under the freedom of was paid £400,000, three times the “going rate” trusts have to be more transparent than information act to provide a copy of its for his job. maintained schools, and are subject to investigation into Sir Craig Tunstall, the In October, Kirsty Holmes, a former school financial and governance-related scrutiny by former executive headteacher of the Gipsy Hill business manager at Battersea Park School, in the department and the Education and Skills Federation. The council said this would breach Wandsworth, south London, was jailed for three- Funding Agency.” the Data Protection Act and “could cause and-a-half years with her partner for stealing Micon Metcalfe (pictured), the chief distress to the individuals”. more than £220,000 from the school. operating officer at a five-school multi- National media had reported Sir Craig, A release issued by the Met Police said that academy trust in south London, said more regarded as England’s best-paid primary council financial audits from 2010-12 found 15 “comparable levels of transparency” were headteacher on £330,000 a year, was cheques, ranging from £7,500 to £32,000, had needed. suspended in relation to allegations of fraud. been paid out of the school’s account with no “We can’t just say ‘academies are inherently He is no longer employed at the federation of corresponding invoices. bad’ and lack transparency when the six schools. By March 2012 the couple had fled to Gambia, maintained sector does not have the same buying property and a fleet of taxis, according to level of transparency.” Council schools hit by the council, to set up a transport company. They Agnew had previously told six-figure frauds were arrested after returning to UK in December Schools Week he was working Details of council investigations seemingly 2014. on an “accountability matrix” only make it into the public domain when the Chris Whiting, a director at the financial between council and cases become criminal investigations. management firm Academy Advisory, said some academies to show the Last month, The Times reported that former of the issues uncovered in the academy sector difference in approach. headteacher Alan Davies had been ordered by existed in council schools, and either weren’t the High Court to repay Brent council nearly picked up or not dealt with properly.

9 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 News DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

EXCLUSIVE Union urges teachers to resist Catholic academies plan

JESS STAUFENBERG @STAUFENBERGJ

The National Education Union has urged teachers at Catholic schools to resist plans by bishops to academise, even though they are contractually required to follow their bishop’s command. A letter signed by the union’s joint general secretaries Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, and a blog post, have set out “risks” involved in conversion, including claims of poorer working conditions and doubts over the future of academies. Trust helping with budget advice posts in-year deficit About a quarter of Catholic schools (525) are academies, with bishops said to be JESS STAUFENBERG carried forward. considering converting more to “safeguard “The trust’s financial position is sound, with their future”. @STAUFENBERGJ each school maintaining a small carry-forward Model contracts on the Catholic Education The only academy trust contracted to help in surplus,” the spokesperson said. A qualified Service’s (CES) website say all teachers the roll-out of the government’s £2.3 million parent volunteer, who audited the trust’s must “exercise the ministry of a teacher accounts in 2016-17, has also been replaced by under the supervision of a diocesan bishop” drive to help schools balance their budgets an independent auditor. in line with “canon law”. posted an in-year deficit itself. It was reported in January that North Mark Lehain, the director of Parents and The Education Skills and Funding Agency Yorkshire council had to dip into its reserves to Teachers for Excellence, said the National named nine organisations to recruit and make up a £3 million budget shortfall for the Education Union (NEU) was “basically deploy schools resource management advisers 2018-19 financial year. asking teachers to disobey their bishops and (SRMAs) to provide impartial and expert so put their jobs at risk”. business advice to help struggling schools to The council had to find £19.5 million savings, A spokesperson for the CES said because save money. but could only identify £16.5 million – forcing it bishops have the power to decide whether to The Department for Education said in into its reserves. academise, all schools must fall in line with summer it wanted to recruit at least 160 cost- The council said it has had to make £140 his wishes in the long term. cutting consultants in the next three years million cuts since government austerity Bishops also have the power to choose following a trial in January. measures were introduced in 2010. It did not and remove most governors. They therefore Latest available accounts for the only respond to a request for comment. could replace any governor who opposed academy trust awarded funding, Cotswold The other seven organisations to win academisation, the spokesperson added. Beacon Academy Trust, show it spent £423,101 contracts were the Institute of School Business However, academisation plans have been more than it received in 2016-17. Leadership (ISBL), Avec Partnership Ltd stalled in the past. Meeting minutes from July say that one of its based in Darlington; Babcock Learning and In March the Diocese of Westminster’s three schools in Gloucestershire, the Marling Development Partnership LLP based in plans to academise 200 schools stalled School, was “running an in-year deficit”. London; Education Performance Improvement after 20 showed “no interest” in making the Another of the nine awarded organisations, Ltd based in Leicestershire; Herts for Learning change. The diocese said it was “crucial North Yorkshire council, also had to use £3 in Hertfordshire; MLG Education Services Ltd that a mindset of total local autonomy is million from its reserves to set a balanced based in Warwick and Schools’ Choice based challenged”. budget for this financial year (2018-19). in Suffolk. The NEU’s blog says that cuts in Mike Cameron, a school governor, has said The government said its earlier trial of the academies “have been deeper” because that the financial position of any organisation scheme had helped schools and trusts to find trusts have to pay redundancy, whereas this that won a contract to help facilitate “financial £32 million in savings – an average of nearly is covered in maintained schools. support and guidance to other schools” should £500,000 a visit. The DfE would not provide the It also said some staff had experienced be “bulletproof”. evidence for these findings. poorer maternity leave in academies The contracts are for finding and managing Lord Agnew, the academies minister, said and warned of doubts over the future of experienced sector leaders to become SMRAs, advisers would be “valued partners” for academies under Labour. although it is the Institute for School Business schools. The induction process would include The CES spokesperson added many Leadership (ISBL) that will be in charge of “techniques” of integrated curriculum and dioceses “are implementing plans to move accrediting them. financial planning. to full academisation […] to safeguard the A spokesperson for the Cotswold trust The DfE said the funding for advisers came future of Catholic schools”. said the in-year overspend did not recognise from its school resource management budget. income received in previous years that was

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EXCLUSIVE DfE abandons Easter pilot on food poverty

FREDDIE WHITTAKER @FCDWHITTAKER EXCLUSIVE

The government will spend another £9 million testing solutions to holiday hunger across England, but has abandoned plans to run a pilot in the Easter and summer holidays next year. According to tender documents seen by Schools Week, the Department for Education is seeking organisations to test the “co-ordination” of free holiday provision, including “healthy food and enriching activities”, for disadvantaged children in nine local authorities during the 2019 summer holidays. Cyber-attacks rise in schools It follows a £2 million pilot this summer, a compromise by the government after demonstrate compliance with the law,” he told MPs tried to force councils to provide free FREDDIE WHITTAKER Schools Week. meals and activities for poor pupils in school @FCDWHITTAKER However, he is also concerned about a rise holidays. in cyber-attacks on schools. Reports of these A DfE spokesperson told Schools Week The number of data security incidents reported the 2018 pilot “reached more than 18,000 by the education sector rocketed by more than attacks, which can include malware, phishing children and helped us to find out how we can 43 per cent after the introduction of general and ransomware, have risen by 69 per cent best support low-income families”. data protection regulations. in the past year alone. Between July and The government originally pledged “a The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) September 2017, there were 26 such reports. targeted pilot programme in the 2019 Easter has reported a rise in reports of disclosure In the same period this year, there were 44. and summer holidays”, but Schools Week issues – where sensitive information is He warned that schools “don’t have the understands that following feedback from inadvertently shared – and cyber-attacks internal expertise” on cyber security and this year’s programme, ministers have between July and September this year. that institutions “haven’t got the skills to decided to “focus resources” on the summer. Overall, the number of data security understand the risks or what to do when it Lindsay Graham, a food poverty incidents reported in education rose from 355 happens”. campaigner, said she was “pleased to in the second quarter of 2017-18 to 511 in the “Schools are seen as an easy target,” he see this next step”, adding she was “not same period this year. said. “Sending false invoices, for example, is surprised” the Easter pilot had been easy money.” abandoned. This is the first data to be released since the Earlier this year, it was revealed that “My guess is that is really down to timing,” general data protection regulations (GDPR) she said. “Preparation for summer provision came into force this May. fraudsters impersonating headteachers alone needs a decent planning period. GDPR require schools to be clearer about the managed to con schools across the country “Perhaps once the pilots are up and data they hold about their pupils and respond out of tens of thousands of pounds after their running the DfE should consider extending more quickly to requests for copies of personal phone systems were hacked and calls diverted them into autumn or Christmas breaks next data. They must also have a data protection to pricey premium-rate numbers. year instead. This might give some insight officer in place. Between last September and this spring, 48 into what more would be needed at different The number of incidents involving the schools reported the scam. Of those, 12 lost times of the year.” disclosure of data reported to the ICO rose to £145,124 between them and one lost £19,150. The news follows a number of attempts by 353 in quarter two of this year, up from 239 The government recently published new politicians to force the government’s hand on during the same period last year and just 26 draft guidance for schools on security, which food poverty. the year before. includes advice on cyber-attacks. It advises In September 2017, Frank Field, a Labour Common disclosure issues include the loss schools to create boundary firewalls and MP, put forward a draft bill that placed or theft of paperwork or data, information internet gateways to “prevent unauthorised a duty on local authorities to make sure access to or from private networks”. disadvantaged pupils were fed during school accidentally sent by email to the wrong Schools are also being told to use secure breaks. recipient and inadvertent verbal disclosure. In November last year, Emma Lewell-Buck, Mark Orchison, a consultant whose firm 9ine configuration, access level controls and the the shadow children’s minister, introduced a works with schools on data protection, said the latest malware and virus controls, and put draft law to force the government to collect increase (in disclosure reports) was likely to be effective policies in place to “educate staff and data on food security. because of GDPR and work by the ICO to raise pupils about online security”. Field’s bill was withdrawn following the awareness. Nick Gibb, the schools minister, said it was government’s promise of research and pilot “Schools are now actually aware of what “important that schools remain vigilant and projects, while Lewell-Buck’s is due its data breaches are and are reporting these to prepare for potential risks”. second reading on January 25.

12 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 News DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

Named: 50 trusts cut Academy trust minutes ‘excessive’ CEO pay

reveal boardroom rift FREDDIE WHITTAKER @FCDWHITTAKER EXCLUSIVE

The government has named the 50 academy trusts that have cut executive pay following pressure from officials. A list sent to Schools Week under the freedom of information act reveals the names of the trusts that have stopped paying salaries of either £100,000 to £150,000 or over £150,000. However, it does not include any trusts that may have cut the pay of their bosses, although their salaries may still be above the £150,000 threshold. The Department for Education has also indicated it expects more trusts to adjust their leaders’ pay. 2017 that its membership could drop to three Most of the listed 50 trusts are small. PIPPA ALLEN-KINROSS by Christmas, rather than the recommended Twenty have just one academy, while 18 have @PIPPA_AK EXCLUSIVE eight. It had just two permanent members left between two and five schools. Five have on its audit committee, instead of eight. between six and nine schools; seven have ten Board minutes from a doomed academy trust SAT is not the only collaborative effort to or more. reveal a boardroom rift between trustees have struggled. Marine Academy Plymouth, a The largest is the Eastern Multi-Academy who accused one of their sponsors of not multi-academy trust sponsored by Plymouth Trust, which has 15 schools and, as of last “believing” in them, with another partner not University, Cornwall College and the Plymouth August, paid a salary of between £110,001 “visible”. local authority, was warned in March that its and £120,000 to its highest-paid employee. Salford Academy Trust (SAT) was founded namesake school could be moved to another This is equivalent to a minimum of £7,333 a by the Salford Trust – a partnership between trust after it was placed in special measures in school and £20.79 a pupil. Salford City College, Salford City Council Paradigm has also reduced pay. Last November last year. and the University of Salford – in 2012, but year Schools Week revealed it was one of a Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the announced in June it would close and rebroker handful of trusts paying their bosses more Association of School and College Leaders, all four of its schools. than £200,000, despite having just a few said having more than one sponsor “shouldn’t At the time, Lisa Stone, Salford City Council’s schools. in itself be a problem for the smooth running lead member for children’s and young people’s Other notable trusts on the list include of a trust”. services, said the trust had agreed that a the University of Chester Academy Trust, SAT still runs two secondary schools and “more established sponsor with demonstrated which is giving up its 13 schools amid two primary schools, catering to some of the experience of school improvement” would be a massive financial problems, and Cuckoo Hall most deprived children in Salford. All four are better option for its schools, all of which were Academies Trust, which was investigated expected to transfer to the United Learning in Salford. in 2015 following finance and governance Trust at the start of next year. However, SAT board minutes obtained concerns. The Chester trust will be wound The minutes show particular concern with by Schools Week under the freedom of up. one secondary school, Irlam and Cadishead information act show conflict between the Watford UTC, which was given a financial College, which joined the trust in July last year SAT board and the Salford Trust. Salford City warning in May this year, is also on the list. with a hefty personal finance initiative (PFI) College retains 75 per cent control over the A series of written warnings were sent to bill. trust, with the council and university retaining trusts as part of a government clampdown on At a meeting attended by regional schools 12.5 per cent each. excessive executive pay. commissioner Vicky Beer in December 2017, In December 2016, one board member Lord Agnew, the academies minister, board members said that although the PFI described one of the three partners as not told Schools Week last month that he had contract had been “picked up” during due “visible”, and said half of another “didn’t give “declared war” on excessive academy pay, diligence, the trust had received “limited the impression of believing in SAT”. especially “mediocre trusts who are paying information from the local authority and not The Salford Trust appointed members to large sums of money”. much could be done”. SAT’s board, but the board discussed having He defended the £440,000 annual salary The accounts show the trust paid more than to look on Companies House to see who they of Sir Daniel Moynihan, the highest-paid £280,000 a year on PFI repayments. were, amid worries its members were meeting academy boss in England, which he said A spokesperson for Salford council and less than once a year. was “reasonable” because of the size of the university said they were working with United SAT struggled to hold on to its board trust, its financial situation and outcomes for Learning to rebroker the schools. members, with concerns raised in October pupils.

13 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Top trust in isolation booth legal challenge

a half-day in an isolation room. Pupils are JESS STAUFENBERG also never left alone and are supervised by @STAUFENBERGJ trained staff at all times. Dan Rosenberg, a partner at Simpson A high-profile academy trust is facing a legal Millar, said he was concerned large numbers challenge over its use of isolation booths in of pupils at the trust are experiencing a what is believed to be the first such case in “blighted education”. Should the case go the country. ahead, and judges rule in the pupil’s favour, Lawyers are acting for a family who then OGAT would have to change its claim their son spent almost a third of the behaviour policy. last academic year in an isolation booth The firm’s application lays out five at a school run by the Outwood Grange Martyn Oliver grounds for action against the trust. It Academies Trust. alleges that OGAT’s isolation booths policy The challenge is over the legality of using It follows an investigation by Schools does not have “procedural or substantive the units, which OGAT calls “consequences Week into isolation rooms in October safeguards” to ensure it meets a legal rooms”, for long periods, and that pupils which revealed two-thirds of the country’s requirement that all disciplinary penalties receive no teaching while they are inside. largest academy trusts use some form of are reasonable. Lawyers also claim there is a lack of central isolation, and examined the lack of clarity in Others include that the school unlawfully government monitoring of the issue. government guidance about best practice. failed in its duty to provide the pupil with The law firm Simpson Millar, which made In September, the trust’s behaviour a full-time education, the behaviour policy the application in the High Court at the end policy said pupils could be sent to the failed to promote the pupil’s welfare, and the of November, has said information provided consequences rooms for up to six hours a trust has failed to have regard to the Equality by the trust shows pupils sent to the day without teaching, and were not allowed Act – specifically over pupils with special isolation rooms spent an average number of to “tap, chew, swing on their chairs, shout educational needs being placed in isolation. 15 days in there over the school year. out, sigh, or any other unacceptable or A DfE spokesperson said: “It is for to However a spokesperson for OGAT said disruptive behaviour”. schools to decide what forms of behavioural the figure did not refer to the number of full They could be escorted to lunch but had policy they adopt, as long as they are lawful days spent in isolation, but to the number of to remain silent and could visit the toilet and used reasonably. If a school chooses to “C5s” issued to a pupil, which is a code for three times for no more than five minutes. use isolation rooms, pupils’ time in isolation being sent to an isolation room. It did not An OGAT spokesperson said the should be no longer than necessary and the necessarily amount to a day. They added practices are “designed to ensure that time used constructively.” the trust, which runs 31 schools across the we are providing a safe and constructive The trust has until the end of this month north, “follows government guidance” and environment in which children can learn”. to respond to the challenge. If it disputes its practices are part of a supportive and They added pupils must have ignored four the claims, the High Court will then rule on inclusive behaviour strategy”. warnings and failed two detentions to get whether the case can proceed.

JOHN DICKENS | @JOHNDICKENSSW Confirmed: no more cash for sixth form colleges

Funding rates for sixth forms will remain nevertheless comes as a blow to the Sixth reduction in student support services and the unchanged next year, the Education and Skills Form Colleges Association, which has been disappearance of extra-curricular activities. Funding Agency has confirmed, dashing hopes fighting for extra cash. “Attempting to defend the indefensible by of a cash boost for schools and colleges. James Kewin, the SFCA’s deputy chief pointing to small pots of cash attached to A letter from Peter Mucklow, director of executive, said confirmation that the funding technical education or maths is something further education at the agency, published will stay the same “for the seventh year in a that colleges and schools find deeply on Wednesday, said that the national base row” was “disappointing but not surprising”. frustrating,” he said. rates of £4,000 per full-time pupil aged 16 “Since 2013, costs have rocketed, the The Raise the Rate campaign, launched in to 17, and £3,300 for 18-year-olds, are being government has demanded more of schools October and led by the SFCA, called on the “maintained for academic year 2019 to 2020, and colleges and the needs of students government to eventually increase funding as are the part-time funding rates”. have become increasingly complex,” he for all 16 to 19-year-olds to £4,760 in the next The announcement is not unexpected, but said – leading to courses being cut, a spending review.

14 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected]

Hinds chides Ofsted on MAT inspection plans

Damian Hinds, the education secretary, has yesterday, show inspectors will meet trust structure or arrangement”. warned Ofsted its new academy trust “summary leaders and trustees for up to a week after their But they should “feel confident commenting evaluations” must not create “undue burdens” schools have been inspected. on the effectiveness of the arrangements that on schools. Inspectors can also visit individual academies are in place, based on evidence they gather”. Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector, that are not part of inspections – as long as the Trusts have also been told there was no revealed earlier this month the watchdog was trust agrees – which will allow them to get a expectation they should prepare evidence introducing a new evaluation regime for trusts. “rounded picture”. specifically for inspectors. In its annual report the watchdog said groups But Hinds said Ofsted needed to “be clear Questions asked by inspectors would include of schools in the same trust would be inspected that these are in no sense a school inspection” the trust’s impact – including practices that across one or two terms, with feedback and ensure “there is no suggestion that these were uniform or more autonomous – how it sessions with leaders once reports were schools have been assessed or inspected”. monitored academies, how policies were made published. Trusts would not be notified of the and its ambitions relating to the curriculum. At present Ofsted carries out focused summary evaluations until five days Hinds also urged Ofsted to make sure its inspections of groups of schools over a single before. school visits, as part of the evaluations, week to assess how well their sponsors are Previously, trusts classed as a cause did not “create undue burdens on the doing. for concern had batch inspections of schools or MAT”. Ofsted still wants to fully inspect academy their schools, but high-performing Given the “potential for confusion in trusts, something the government is resisting. trusts are now included. this area”, he wanted the watchdog A letter from Hinds to Spielman, published The Ofsted guidance said to consistently use the yesterday, hints at further tensions. inspectors should avoid term “MAT summary Details of the evaluations, published “advocating any particular inspections”. Damian Hinds

FREDDIE WHITTAKER | @FCDWHITTAKER More primaries are ‘coasting’, but they’ll be left alone

More primary schools are considered “coasting” The data shows that pupils in academy trusts by the government, but they won’t face forced had an average progress score of 0.46 in writing intervention after ministers rowed back on and 0.2 in maths, compared with scores of “confusing” accountability rules. 0.09 and 0.1 among all pupils in state-funded This year, 640 primary schools, five per cent mainstream schools in those subjects. of those nationally, were deemed to be coasting However, the average progress score in reading based on their key stage 2 results, up from 524, among pupils educated in multi-academy trusts or four per cent, in 2017. was 0, compared with 0.09 in all schools. However, the number of schools below the Disadvantaged pupils, meanwhile, made more government’s “floor standard” for key stage 2 progress in all three areas if they study in multi- dropped from 511, or four per cent of primary academy trusts. The gap is especially large in schools, last year, to 364, or three per cent this Paul Whiteman, leader of the National writing, for which MAT-educated pupils had an year. Association of Head Teachers union, said: “For average score of 0.15 in 2018, compared with -0.32 Though the coasting and floor standards their troubles, each year schools find themselves among all pupils. remain in place as a way for the government to propelled to the top or condemned to the bottom Nick Gibb, the schools minister, has heralded the measure school performance this year, failure to of a league table based solely on a few short tests new analysis as proof of academies’ success. meet these standards will not prompt the same of young children in a small number of subjects. “Every child, regardless of their background, intervention as in previous years. “This entirely wrong, so we shouldn’t celebrate deserves a high-quality education and Damian Hinds, the education secretary, too loudly, or berate too strongly.” opportunity to fulfil their potential,” he said. announced in May that only an Ofsted New key stage 2 data published yesterday “Headteachers are using the freedoms afforded ‘inadequate’ rating will trigger forced conversion (Thursday) also shows that pupils in multi- by academy and free-school status to make or rebrokering of schools. academy trusts make more progress than their this a reality, as illustrated by the progress But despite this, heads this week condemned peers in writing and maths but underperform disadvantaged pupils in multi-academy trusts are the league tables. when it comes to reading. making in writing and maths.”

15 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 News: MATs DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

EXCLUSIVE It’s good to share, says trust group

PIPPA ALLEN-KINROSS @PIPPA_AK

Multi-academy trusts should be entrepreneurial and willing to take calculated risks to remain sustainable “in an age of austerity”, according to a new report. Forum Strategy, which represents a group of 80 MATs across the country, has said trusts should place a greater importance on chief operating officers, rather than finance offers, so they could focus on sharing resources and services between their schools and with other trusts. The group’s report, Sustainability through an age of austerity which was published School leaders launch staff absence insurance today, said there was “great scope for individual MATs and the wider sector to realise greater efficiencies and to generate PIPPA ALLEN-KINROSS to provide the service, including managing the income and from a wide range of provision”, @PIPPA_AK quotes and claims, for which it receives 20 but warned all “entrepreneurial” enterprises per cent of fees. The remaining 80 per cent is should be “driven by the needs of children”. A group of school leaders has joined forces to paid out in claims or returned to members in Michael Pain, the group’s chief executive, offer an alternative staff absence insurance, benefits. told Schools Week: “We are seeing some with talks ongoing to roll the scheme out even The amount schools pay Education Mutual really importance services being cut back – further. varies depending on their size and what kind mental health services, psychology services. Education Mutual, a group of 20 school of cover they have. Hurn said his 1,400-pupil “Trusts and schools have to think about leaders based largely in the north east of school pays £25,000 a year for a scheme that cutting back support roles instead of England, wants to find a collaborative way for includes health care cover for staff. the frontline, but maybe you can make schools to pay lower insurance fees and retain John Brady, chair of the education insurance some of these support roles sustainable some of the profits for themselves. provider Schools Advisory Service, said this fee by developing them across the trust and However, specialists are worried about the was slightly below average for the sector, but offering them out to the wider sector at a level of protection the scheme offers. warned the mutual could be unable to pay all more appropriate rate.” Staff absence insurance covers schools for its claims if it did not make enough money. MATs should also “regularly audit the the cost of supply teachers and often protects He highlighted Education Mutual was skills, talents and experiences of staff” and against longer-term absence, including jury not registered with the Financial Conduct see how they could contribute to the wider service, serious illness and personal injury, but Authority, which could make it hard for schools MAT network through “talent directories”. can also include stress and maternity cover. to launch an official complaint or receive Staff members with particular expertise The service, which launched in September, compensation if something went wrong. could be shared between schools. is run as a mutual, which means it is owned by However Hurn said a mutual does not require The report said many trust chief executives its members. It does not plan to make a profit, such governance. “would benefit from the wider remit and with all money not paid out in claims returned Hurn also said members of Education Mutual operational delivery experience of a chief to members through benefits such as lower would be protected from any shortfalls in operating officer” in addition to or instead fees or enhanced packages. the first two years by its stop-loss insurance, of a chief finance officer, to drive this Nick Hurn, headteacher of Cardinal Hume which is a policy designed to limit a company’s entrepreneurial change, and that financial Catholic School in Gateshead and chairman of losses to a specific amount. directors could report to operating officers. Education Mutual, said: “If this is something The service has been welcomed in the wider The report said the government should where we can bring benefits to every school, sector. The Association of School and College consider a “seed funding initiative” to allow it’s worth putting our weight behind it. Leaders, for instance, is considering promoting the development of cross-trust services, “It’s for schools, by schools. That’s our the service among its members. including catering, IT services and mental tagline. Geoff Barton, ASCL general secretary, said: health support. “I know it sounds like a utopian idea, but I’m “It’s a very good idea and shows how school “Services designed by MATs for MATs could hoping we are going to really grow and become leaders working together are bringing real result in higher-quality provision for pupils, a market leader. Then we’ll be able to drive benefits to the education system. That’s in at lower costs than if provided by private costs down and improve the service across the keeping with the spirit of a school-led system profit-making providers, and with better board.” which utilises the expertise and knowledge accountability attached to the service,” it The mutual employs an insurance company within the profession.” said.

16 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News: Free Schools CONTACT US [email protected]

Fact check: How many free schools have actually closed? Debunking the conflicting FREDDIE WHITTAKER numbers @FCDWHITTAKER Labour’s claim that more than 100 FREE 100 free schools have closed is SCHOOLS HAVE Neither ministers nor the similar to one made on Twitter CLOSED! opposition are giving the full by union figures. However, this picture when it comes to free is understood to include 44 school closures, analysis by proposed projects that never Schools Week shows. came to fruition. There have been conflicting When challenged on December claims in the past few weeks 5 by Gibb, Kane pointed to the NO, 41 FREE SCHOOLS HAVE about the number that have schools previously run by the CLOSED closed since the programme Wakefield City Academies Trust, began, but few claims are backed which shed all of its schools after by official government statistics. a financial crisis. However, the trust did not run FREE SCHOOL CLOSURES: THE DEFINITIVE LIST

The claims any free schools. SCHOOL NAME TYPE On November 29, Mike Kane, Labour was asked to back up Dawes Lane Academy AP free school Bolton Wanderers Free School Free school the shadow schools minister, Kane’s claims with statistics, but Collective Spirit Free School Free school told the House of Commons that had not responded by the time Discovery New School Free school “more than 100 free schools that Schools Week went to press. Discovery School Free school Durham Free School Free school opened only in the past couple of Gibb’s claim of 41 closures Floreat Brentford Primary School Free school years have now closed, wasting appears to come from an out-of- Minerva Academy Free school Robert Owen Academy Free school hundreds of millions of pounds in date list used by the Department Southwark Free School Free school this failed programme”. for Education, which misses the St Anthony’s Primary School Free school St Michael’s Catholic Secondary School* Free school And on December 5, Nick names of 14 schools identified Stockport Technical School Free school Gibb, his opposite number, told in official DfE records as having Bradford Studio School Studio school a Westminster Hall debate that closed. Create Studio School Studio school Da Vinci Creative Enterprise Studio school 41 schools had closed: 13 free Schools Week understands Da Vinci Science and Engineering Studio school schools, seven university technical the missing schools were not Devon Studio School Studio school Durham Studio School Studio school colleges and 21 studio schools. considered closed because they Future Tech Studio Studio school To add to the confusion, reopened under new sponsors. Hull Studio School Studio school Hyndburn Studio School Studio school the New Schools Network, the However, the department did Inspire Enterprise Academy Studio school government-funded charity that include Tottenham UTC on its Kajans Hospitality and Catering Studio School Studio school helps to set up free schools, insists list, which was rebrokered last Manchester Creative Studio Studio school Midland Studio College Hinckley Studio school that just 21 have closed, including year and reopened as the London Midland Studio College Nuneaton Studio school eight “which have since reopened Academy of Excellence. New Campus Basildon Studio School** Studio school Plymouth Studio School Studio school under new leadership”. The DfE would not explain the Rye Studio School Studio school discrepancy. Stoke Studio College Studio school Tendring Enterprise Studio School Studio school What’s the right figure? Meanwhile, the New Schools The Studio School Luton Studio school According to official government Network (NSN) list omits UTCs Vision Studio School Studio school data, 55 mainstream and and studio schools, but does Black Country UTC UTC Central Bedfordshire UTC UTC alternative provision free schools, include rebrokered free schools. Daventry UTC UTC UTCs and studio schools have A NSN spokesperson said: “We Greater Manchester UTC UTC Hackney UTC UTC closed since the start of the free know that mistakes were made in UTC Lancashire UTC schools programme in 2010. the early years of the policy, and Channeling Positivity AP free school CUL Academy Trust AP free school Of these, 40 have closed lessons have been learned from Atlantic Academy Free school completely and 15 have been this. Harpenden Free School Free school rebrokered to new sponsors, “Despite the obstacles free Hartsbrook E-Act Free School Free school Parkfield School Free school which technically counts as schools have faced, they have Royal Greenwich Trust School Academy Free school a closure, according to the proven themselves to be University Church Free School Free school Heathrow UTC UTC government. overwhelmingly successful from Medway UTC UTC primary through to sixth form Sir Charles Kao UTC UTC Tottenham UTC UTC and, as a result, they are hugely UTC MediacityUK UTC popular with parents, teachers UTC Plymouth UTC and the communities they serve.” UTC Swindon UTC Source: Get Information About Schools/DfE | * Closed as a result of a merger ** Rebrokered, then closed Key 17 Closed: Moved to new sponsor Closed @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 Schools Week Live: SSAT conference

CATH MURRAY | @CATHMURRAY_ Taking a break in the nurture room

Students at Aureus School in can self-regulate and go back to Oxfordshire who feel at risk of class, or do they actually need misbehaving are encouraged to more of a proactive approach and “self-refer” to a nurture room go into the sensory room and just to watch an aquarium or “sit sit and smell in the darkness, or and smell in the darkness”, says sit under a weighted blanket for 15 Julie Hunter, the school’s deputy minutes, then go back into class?

headteacher. “Some teachers would say that’s Students taking part in “To nurture their minds, we a loss of academic learning. And I mindfulness activities need to support them, maybe by would say, ‘A brain in pain cannot giving them that time in a space access learning’ and actually, a that might be more useful than student needs to be ready to learn.” are recalibrated and ready for brain, then how to control it.” being sat in a punishment room,” Hunter, who is trained in mental learning, no matter what their Rather than traditional silent Hunter told school leaders at the health first-aid, mindfulness and breakfast experience was, or their reading, the English team prepares SSAT conference in Birmingham the science of happiness, has journey to school”. half an hour of “mindful reading”, last week. helped to develop a whole-school The science team takes a using “a specially scripted values- Students who tend to have “hot well-being programme for Aureus, neuroscience approach to its based story” based on actual spots” in their school day are which opened last September. It “menu of mindfulness activities”, events that have happened in the allocated a “nurture card” that includes half an hour of mindful teaching “the biology of why as a past couple of weeks. This means allows them to self-refer to the art, reading, science or movement teenager you’re feeling anxious,” that while the students are reading nurture room where they’ll “make for all pupils every morning. Hunter said. “It’s perfectly normal about fictional characters, “they a diagnosis, triage. Do they just This means that when the year the way you’re feeling, but you are actually working through need to sit in the nurture room, 7 and 8 students “hit their first need to understand the science difficulties their peers have had in watching the aquarium, then they academic lesson at 9 o’clock, they behind what’s happening in your school”. Inspection is not a science, says Spielman

School inspection will never be a high-precision reassuring the audience that it was “important to science, Amanda Spielman told delegates. us that everybody’s up to speed”. “It’s not like putting diamonds on micro-scales. While consultation on the new framework is All of you here know that inspection is too due to start in the new year, the inspectorate has complicated and too multi-dimensional an activity already been clear that it is shifting the focus to do that,” said Ofsted’s chief inspector. of inspection from performance measures to a The inspectorate has been running pilots to broad and balanced curriculum, and that both test the “inspectability” of components of its curriculum “intent” and “implementation” will be new framework, to check – as best it can – how examined. well it is managing to measure the things it is Spielman was keen to emphasise that “very attempting to measure. different approaches to curriculum” can be “What we’ve been doing in the context of equally effective, and “it’s absolutely not about these pilots is to build in some testing of the there being only one way to do anything”. inspectability of the constructs as they are set up The inspectorate ran a study last year looking In response to a question about schools that in the framework, and we will carry on with that at the consistency of inspector judgment, which “game” performance tables, she said that while post-implementation, to make sure that what Spielman described as just the start of her push “the aim is not to send a giant shock through we’re attempting to inspect, we are doing as well to make sure that Ofsted “contributes to system- the system”, the new framework should help as a human judgment process can do.” level improvement”. to identify schools that are “really focused on Spielman was speaking in advance of the launch In response to delegates’ concerns about the making sure that children have got the best of phase 3 of Ofsted’s curriculum research, the quality of inspectors, Spielman insisted that possible quality of education rather than following findings of which will feed into the design of the Ofsted has “put a lot of work into identifying whatever the current hot tip is for maximum new inspection framework. inspectors who need more support and training”, performance table points”.

18 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Social mobility group turns its attention to schools

“opportunity areas” programme in which FREDDIE WHITTAKER 12 areas of low social mobility got an extra @FCDWHITTAKER £72 million to boost things such as teacher supply and careers advice. The rejuvenated Social Mobility Although it was too early to say whether Commission will investigate school the project had been a success, she insisted funding issues and the teacher recruitment its funding should continue beyond the and retention crisis, says its new chair. planned three years if it proved to have Dame Martina Milburn (pictured) also made a difference. called for the government’s flagship “It would be a bit daft to set it all up and opportunity areas programme to be then let it go again. If it’s been successful, extended if it proved successful. She was let’s extend it and let’s go with what works.” speaking at a relaunch event at a central the Department for Education. Sammy Wright, the vice-principal of London college. The revamped commission is yet to hold Sunderland’s Southmoor Academy and the Twelve new commissioners were its first board meeting, but the new chair sole schools voice on the commission, said appointed earlier this year to fill vacancies already has some priorities for its work on he would be pushing discussions about left by the previous team who resigned schools. She spoke of the need to attract how the successes of the London Challenge en-masse last December in protest over more teachers and to learn more about the could be replicated in the north east. government inaction. impact of school funding. He said rather than “thinking about the Speaking to Schools Week following She also called for closer working individual end-point, the league tables, the the launch, Milburn insisted ministers’ between schools and further education. positional competition between schools, approach to social mobility had “changed Milburn, who heads the Prince’s Trust we need to be thinking in a joined-up way hugely” and said she was “very encouraged” charity, also threw down a gauntlet for where all of us are working towards those by the support from Downing Street and the government over the future of its same ultimate goals”.

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19 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018 News DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

Tomsett to go back to Huntington

FREDDIE WHITTAKER @FCDWHITTAKER

A leading headteacher found not guilty of unacceptable professional conduct over a sexual relationship with a former pupil will return to work next year. John Tomsett, the headteacher of Huntington School in York, has been on leave for more than two months as a result of a Teacher Regulation Agency inquiry. He admitted having a sexual relationship with an ex-pupil in the early 1990s, but denied unprofessional conduct. In October, a TRA panel found him not guilty, but said Be empathetic with vulnerable pupils, says DfE his actions may have brought the teaching profession into disrepute. writing and maths at key stage 2, compared JESS STAUFENBERG The Department for Education with 64 per cent of their peers. @STAUFENBERGJ subsequently ruled that he would not be The gap shows the “lasting negative impact” banned from teaching because such a of being in need “beyond the point” of being Teachers have been advised to “adapt how they prohibition would “clearly deprive the public classed as such, according to the research. speak” to vulnerable children – as new figures of his contribution to the profession for the But Sally Kelly, vice-chair of the National show how a “lasting negative impact” leaves period that it is in force”. Association of Virtual School Heads, said the them lagging behind their peers at GCSE. Almost a month has passed since the advice lacked impact unless special funding Government guidance issued last week, ruling, but York Council confirmed on Friday for certain vulnerable pupils was extended. Improving the Educational Outcomes of that Tomsett would begin a “phased return” Schools get pupil premium, plus funding Children in Need of Help and Protection, urged to work on January 7. from the local authority, to raise the teachers to communicate “empathetically” The head said he was “delighted to be attainment of pupils who are or were in care with pupils, particularly those who have returning to the job I love at the school I – but not for other children classed as “in experienced domestic abuse. love. need”, such as young carers or those on child The guidance, part of a wider government “I would like to thank the governing body protection plans. review into children in need (looked-after, for showing such faith in me and pay tribute Kelly said this gap in funding – £2,300 supported by social services, on child to my deputies Matt Smith and Gail Naish for looked-after or previously looked-after protection plans or young carers), also urged who have led our phenomenal staff during children, compared with £1,320 for pupils teachers to give children the space and time my absence. eligible for free school meals – means some to talk. “I would also like to thank all those vulnerable pupils “do not come with extra Responses from 600 teachers and social people who have shown me and my family money attached”. care practitioners revealed most teachers such incredible support during the most The new advice, which does not have funding already believed they followed such advice, but challenging time imaginable. I would attached to it, is aimed at helping schools to conversations with pupils “highlighted that this especially like to thank my wife and my two make “proportionate adjustments to promote doesn’t always happen”. sons, who have been truly remarkable.” better outcomes” for the pupils. The guidance says “effective behaviour Tomsett faced allegations said to have It also encourages teachers to get training support approaches often see behaviour as taken place between 1990 and 1992, when in recognising the lasting impact of trauma on an expression of an unmet need”, adding that he was employed as a teacher at Eastbourne children’s attendance, learning, behaviour and “teachers should remain curious about the Sixth Form College. wellbeing. underlying causes”. The TRA panel found that it “not proven” The final part of the review, yet to be The DfE also released research showing that Tomsett failed to maintain professional published, will “build more robust evidence pupils known to social services lagged behind boundaries by conducting an inappropriate of what interventions work to improve the their less vulnerable peers at GCSE – even relationship with the former pupil, an educational outcomes of children in need”, if they were no longer classed as children in allegation Tomsett denied, although some according to the DfE website. need. of his actions were “unwise, ill-judged and Damian Hinds, the education secretary, said Pupils classed as “in need” at some point unprofessional”. the advice would help teachers to support between 2011 and 2017 scored an average A council spokesperson said: “We will vulnerable pupils whether through “making Attainment 8 score of 29 last year, 19 points continue to support the governors and Mr sure a child has a consistent and trusted below the average score of their peers. Tomsett as he settles into his return and member of staff or taking the time to speak to And only 40 per cent of children in need look forward to welcoming him back to the a child the morning after they have witnessed reached the expected standard in reading, school community.” domestic abuse”.

20 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

EDITORIAL DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

Let’s not forget, oversight of council schools isn’t perfect either

Academies are closely scrutinised by the willing to share basic findings from their audits media, and rightly so. They are one of the of schools with us. government’s flagship education reforms, and And most councils wouldn’t even provide were hailed by ministers as the solution to local information – never mind a report – of education authorities said to be failing their investigations they launched after audit findings schools. warranted further scrutiny. In fact, few would disagree that the rushed Comparing this to the academy sector, Lord implementation and rapid expansion of the Agnew’s claims of added transparency do seem academies programme has contributed in a to have some substance. big way to the lax oversight which has allowed The government, for instance, pledges to today’s scandals to manifest. publish investigations into academy trusts in all But our investigation this week reveals that but the most exceptional circumstances. some councils have a problem with oversight, OK, as Schools Week readers will know, too. they don’t always adhere to this. But while More than 2,200 local authority schools were we’re the first to beat the government up last inspected by their council more than five for failures when they arise, it’s only fair we years ago. Compare that to academies, which acknowledge that, when compared to councils, have two audits every year, and the playing field the academies sector seems to be leading the starts to look a little less than level. way when it comes to being open to scrutiny of Get in While council schools can pay for their own school spending, albeit slowly. external audits, this is nevertheless a worrying Lord Agnew is unhappy about the disparity, sign that local authorities don’t have a great and is busily working away on a “matrix” to touch. grip on spending in their schools. compare transparency across the two sectors. They don’t have a great record on We’ll be interested to read and report on his transparency, either. Some councils weren’t findings.

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2018 Politics review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

It’s been a bit of a humdrum year in education policy, says Natalie Perera, NATALIE neither a car crash nor a roaring PERERA success Executive director, heresa May’s inevitable Education Policy Institute reshuffle in January meant the Tfourth education secretary in as many years. Fresh from launching The DfE needs to be her much anticipated social mobility strategy, Justine Greening was barely given the chance to see the glossy brave and raise the bar print copy before she was replaced by the little-known Damian Hinds. to prevent headteachers marching and opportunity for others to fill the time meant the government was Hinds has kept a relatively low on Downing Street. Lord Agnew news void. unable to make a simple, yet powerful profile over the year but has, remained mostly under the public Notably, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s rule change that would keep pupils on perhaps sensibly, limited his major radar this year, until he waged a chief inspector, has used her first full the roll of a mainstream school, even announcements to reforming newly bottle of champagne that he could year in office to speak frankly and when referred to alternative provision. qualified teacher status, bringing some find “inefficiencies” in schools. forthrightly about the challenges she The fact there is cross-party consensus clarity to the blurred lines between What struck me most about that thinks education faces. While the for this makes the legislative barrier all Ofsted and the regional schools provocative challenge, was the lack DfE awaits the outcome of Edward the more frustrating. commissioners, and most recently, of definition of “inefficiency”. If next Timpson’s review into exclusions Another legislative barrier that will attempting to increase the value of year’s spending review is going technical education. So far, so good. to require a further tightening of And there is certainly some merit belts, then ministers need to be in having less frenetic interference Teacher recruitment braver about what they consider from government. It’s meant that, by to be inefficient, beyond just back- and large, schools can crack on with and retention is the office functions and procurement. embedding new curriculums and Do they consider teaching assessments. But important issues biggest headache assistants, pastoral care or small remain. class sizes all to be inefficient? Teacher recruitment and retention Although there has been a is, overwhelmingly, the Department before deciding what, if anything, to do frustrate some is the inability of the growing disquiet amongst school for Education’s biggest headache. about rising exclusions and the number government to introduce a “hard” teachers and leaders, overall, Despite an increase in overall trainee of children “off-rolled”, high-profile national funding formula. While 2018 it’s been neither a car crash nor numbers, recruitment to shortage figures such as Spielman and Anne was the first year of the new NFF (a a roaring success for education subjects such as maths and physics Longfield, the children’s commissioner, testament to the Greening era), we’re policy. Much more focus could continues to fall, lagging behind the have firmly jumped off the fence. still no closer to knowing when the have been given to improving the government’s targets. The DfE is Both have highlighted the numbers of role of local authorities in setting quality of early years provision rightly giving careful thought to how children (mainly disadvantaged and school and academy budgets will be and teacher retention schemes, to fix this, but its teacher recruitment low-attaining) who seem to have been removed (almost) entirely. MAT leaders particularly in the neediest areas, and retention strategy needs to taken off school rolls between years 10 are, unsurprisingly, expressing their but (the small capital expansion to launch soon and it needs to be game- and 11. In the new year, the Education impatience. grammars aside), the department changing. Policy Institute will publish a detailed Schools are still under financial has at least met the low bar of While Hinds has worked quietly on report on this issue. pressure and the additional £1.3 billion doing no harm. Let’s hope that it his priorities, this has provided space Meanwhile, the lack of parliamentary in the budget this year was not enough raises that bar in 2019.

23 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

2018 Secondary review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

for too long, although solutions CAROLINE VIC remain unknown or unseen by BARLOW GODDARD those willing or able to address the causes. The now known is the issue of retention. If we can ensure Headteacher, Heathfield Co-principal, that those entering the profession Community College Passmores Academy remain energised and enthused by their work and their ability to become experts in their craft, then Looking back – with a little help from Donald Rumsfeld we would go some way towards sustaining our best. There’s lots to talk about after a year the Office for National Statistics. can drive poor decisions. We know A positive move this year more in which education remains one of Another Rumsfeldian aspect has, of that schools graded outstanding can than ever is the move to evidence- the few issues outside Brexit, but course, been Ofsted. It seems that there be left without checks for far too long, informed practice. It is hard to Vic Goddard and Caroline Barlow is a realisation of the challenges of the especially around safeguarding. This is think of a more “Rumsfeld” aspect decide to stick to the big issues current framework for schools serving not new knowledge, but yet it seems to of 2018. The research is rarely new, deprived areas, and at least some talk of have remained broadly unknown by but was unknown by far too many o paraphrase the famous positive recognition for those schools those that make policy. of us. A great deal of credit has to quote from Donald Rumsfeld, striving to raise whole communities. The “known unknown” is the go to the likes of John Hattie, Rob the former US secretary of The most obvious “known unknown” impact the new Ofsted framework on T Coe and, of course, Becky Allen, defence, there are known knowns, is the impact of continuing to grade judgments, leadership and workload. for being strong catalysts for this. there are known unknowns, but there schools. We all know that when a Little could live up to the optimistic Research evidence cannot become are also unknown unknowns – the school is placed in a category it is rhetoric that is building around its the next “off the shelf” remedy and things we don’t know we don’t know. harder to recruit the best teachers; in potential without careful thought of there is an acceptance that context This sums up the divisions between will always be a major driver of large swathes of the secondary sector practice. However, knowing what and those that have the control over The government is has worked elsewhere can only be education policy. We all “know” many a major positive. things from working within schools keeping its fingers in its It is a real shame that the for many years, but too often they Department for Education is not seemingly remain “unknown” to those ears over funding taking notice of the mounds of data above us. on grammar schools. The minimal It would be a travesty not to start fact it is harder to recruit ANY teachers. how it will play out in reality. impact they have on social justice by talking about school funding as We know that the fear of the cliff-edge The issues around recruitment need and the damage to other nearby the biggest example of a “known accountability is difficult to control and urgent focus – we have known this schools have very little unknown unknown” this year. Despite

PA about them, but we still have headteachers leaving their schools had millions of pounds spent on to march to Downing Street, parent expanding them! protest groups, the education select We started this piece with a committee discussing it and MPs quote from a US politician that raising it as a parliamentary debate, summed up the year and now the government line remains that we’ll finish with another from a education is funded sufficiently (or at surprising source as a plea for next record levels if you will!). It continues year: “Watch, listen and learn. You to put its fingers in its ears while can’t know it all yourself . . . anyone repeating the false lyrics of a worn-out who thinks they do is destined for song that no one believes, least of all mediocrity.” Donald Trump Donald Rumsfeld

24 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

2018 Primary review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

Needless to say, this did not sit well If you think this year has been tough, with the Muslim Council of Britain, just wait for the year ahead, says ALLANA nor with the many primary schools Allana Gay GAY that work towards social cohesion and inclusion. he year opened with the Interim headteacher, Vita et Pax In June 2018, Spielman again backlash of Ofsted’s Bold Preparatory School made headlines after stating at the Beginnings still rumbling. T Festival of Education that “many The criticism from early years A chilly year in primary, local, working-class communities practitioners across the country was have felt the full brunt of economic immense. but storm clouds are brewing dislocation in recent years, and In April this was joined by the perhaps, as a result, can lack the Standards and Testing Agency aspiration and drive seen in many announcement of reception baseline them. From breakfast to early help paying the first 1 per cent of the rise, migrant communities”. To primary assessment plans, with the National to mental health provision, primary the department has guaranteed to schools that are excelling with their Foundation for Educational Research schools are at the heart of the support provide the remaining 2.5 per cent provision for local communities, working as the preferred provider and community. Add to this the increase for mainscale, 1 per cent for upper pay white or otherwise, this was a slap trials set to take place next year. in expectation for SEND provision scale and 0.5 per cent for leadership . . . in the face. With the recent news of 22 without the additional funding for two years. The year was rounded off with appointees to Ofsted’s new forum, needed to provide it, a move that some positive news, however. early years pedagogy and practice, disproportionately affects primary Early this year, Amanda Spielman Ofsted reported that primary one can only wonder whether the cart schools who are expected to cater fully used her position as chief inspector schools have the right ideas has come before the horse for early for the needs of SEND pupils while they to support a hijab ban for under-8s, when it comes to offering a years foundation stage. I predict storm are waiting to get a diagnosis. stating that schools should set their balanced curriculum that serves clouds ahead. their community. This is not yet Alongside the annual call for translated into action everywhere: scrapping SATs at key stages 1 and The resilience of a lack of teachers able to teach 2, there has been more urgent across the subject specialisms attention paid to testing this year. The primary leaders is as well as a lack of funding often multiplication tests for year 4 have limits curriculum delivery against been trialled and have been touted as about to be tested the desired curriculum design. being to maths what phonics are to reading, and predictably – just as there The finance hurricane does not own uniform rules and avoid those So where will that leave primary was fierce debate over the relationship end there. Just before the summer who “actively pervert the purpose of next year? The same issues of between phonetic understanding holidays, the Department for Education education”. She linked the desire for finance, curriculum and testing and reading – the response has been announced the decision on the long- younger pupils to wear the hijab to the look set to be at the fore. The mixed. awaited teacher pay rise. With schools development of extremist ideology. absence of bursaries for primary teaching will begin to show The hurricane of all the issues would an impact, as well as the lack have to be the provision of finance in of funding for SEND pupils. In primary schools. short, the resilience of leaders It started off as a depression. The in the primary sector is about to new national funding formula forced be tested greatly. Let’s hope that schools into adjusting budgets and they will once again be able to removing excess provision. However, be resourceful in maintaining schools had not budgeted for local high standards in providing the authority cuts being passed on to foundation of education.

25 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

2018 SEND review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

the emphasis placed on academic External scrutiny ADAM outcomes means that inclusive There has been significant scrutiny schools are too often deemed as of SEND policy and provision BODDISON failing. this year. Record numbers of Chief executive, Nasen The SEND code of practice 2015 parents have been holding local argues that every teacher is a teacher authorities to account through of SEND, but for this to happen, we tribunals and the education select need every leader to be a leader committee has conducted an of SEND. In 2018, the focus for extensive inquiry into SEND. The Special needs reforms have embedding the SEND reforms has National Audit Office’s review of often been overshadowed tilted towards school leaders and SEND spend is set to be published governors and the argument that in the new year. SEND should have the same status as The challenges for SEND have recently say they are being treated pupil premium is gaining ground. Looking ahead reached a critical point this year, but more harshly. I would agree that In November, the national SENCO The challenges have reached a there are still reasons to be cheerful, expectations have increased, but it is workload survey showed that 74 per critical point, but there are good says Adam Boddison not unreasonable to expect that local cent of SENCOs do not have enough reasons to be positive about 2019. First, the year will begin with an am often asked whether the 2014 Ofsted consultation on its new SEND reforms were the right inspection framework. There is an Ireforms. The truth is that while Schools can be opportunity here to ensure that no the ambition and underpinning school can be outstanding unless principles are sound, implementation penalised for it is also inclusive, which would has been problematic, and the further incentivise school leaders reforms have been overshadowed being inclusive and governors to prioritise SEND. by more significant changes to Second, the education secretary the educational landscape such areas that have had longer to embed time to ensure that the needs of has made it clear that SEND is one as funding, academisation and the reforms should have achieved pupils on SEN support are met. With of his top priorities. Next year he accountability. more 80 per cent of learners with SEND at will have a chance to prove this by the SEN support level, school leaders ensuring that the government’s Local area SEND inspections School leadership and governance and governors should be ensuring comprehensive spending review These have been carried out jointly Education professionals don’t set their needs are a priority. does more to ensure the ambition by Ofsted and the Care Quality out to provide a poor experience to of the SEND reforms is realised. Commission since 2016. In November, learners with SEND. However, there Continuum of provision Last, the government has it was announced that those local are tensions in the school system The very notion of inclusion has committed to supporting a areas required to produce a written that pitch our ethical values against been under threat this year in some number of free national initiatives statement of action would be perceived success. parts of education. Exclusions are to support SEND in schools, such revisited. too high; illegal off-rolling remains Whole School SEND and the SEND The education secretary has said he For example, schools can be a challenge. Too often, alternative Gateway. The coming year will may use his “powers of intervention” penalised for being inclusive. Many provision is used as a consequence be a critical point in determining in cases where insufficient progress schools subsidise the cost of meeting of permanent exclusion rather than whether the SEND reforms die has been made, although it is not individual needs from the wider as a preventative measure. Edward or fly. exactly clear what this could mean in school budget, so inclusive schools Timpson’s review of exclusions is due practice. are disproportionately impacted in January Some local areas inspected more by funding pressures. Similarly,

26 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

2018 Governance review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

comprehensive spending review NAUREEN in 2019. Governors should be thinking KHALID about the curriculum in the Trustee and chair of governors at two coming year. Amanda Spielman London academies, primary and secondary has discussed the importance of a challenging curriculum, stating schools commissioner, told the that “exams should exist in service National Governance Association’s to the curriculum, rather than the At least Sir David gave London regional conference in April other way around.” She also said that it was not good practice for that “too few governing bodies us a pat on the back the lead executive in an academy look to understand curriculum trust to also be a trustee. NGA and quality or hold leaders to account It’s been a busy year for the unsung Eileen Milner, the chief executive many trustees agree, as this blurs the for the curriculum, beyond heroes of the education system, says of the Education and Skills Funding accountability line in MATs. looking at test outcomes”. Naureen Khalid Agency, then wrote to the chairs of It should not come as a surprise Ofsted is planning to move trusts that were paying two or more that funding (or the lack thereof) focus away from headline data ccountability and and reflect more on how schools transparency stand out as are planning their curriculum Athe two major governance and providing their pupils with themes this year. Governors should a broad, balanced education. In January, Robert Halfon, chair A formal consultation on its of the education select committee, be thinking about new draft framework will wrote to Lord Agnew, the academies take place from January, with minister, expressing concerns the curriculum implementation planned from over a “lack of transparency and September. accountability” in the multi-academy All governors should be trust (MAT) system, adding that salaries between £100,000 and continued to make headlines. In governors of SEND! As such, I parents, staff and pupils had been left £150,000, asking them to justify their September up to 2,000 headteachers was happy to see special needs “in the dark over who is running their decisions. The Academies Financial marched to Westminster to deliver discussed nationally this year and schools”. Handbook requires trust boards to a letter to Philip Hammond, the the SEND Governance Review Lord Agnew subsequently wrote ensure their approach to executive chancellor, outlining how seven Guide published. The education to all trust chairs, reminding them of pay is transparent, proportionate and years of budget cuts had let to select committee announced the requirement to ensure that trust justifiable. financial crisis in many schools. inquiries into support for children governance contacts were up-to- Amanda Spielman, the chief The National Foundation for and young people with SEND, and date, as well as raising the thorny Inspector, continued her push to Educational Research published a quizzed the education secretary issue of chief executive pay. be able to inspect MATs. While report on the impact of changes to about exclusion of children with This is something that trustees the Department for Education school funding, noting that schools SEND. need to think carefully about. After has yet to grant any expansion of were expected to face significant Last but not least, Sir David MAT accounts were published in Ofsted’s remit, the inspectorate has ongoing cost increases. Damian Carter stepped down in August. He February, the National Association of announced changes “within the Hinds, the education secretary, often has talked about the crucial Head Teachers called for a national limitations of our existing powers” acknowledged the cost pressures role of governance and thinks framework for salaries to “avoid gaps that will allow them “to get a better that schools were experiencing, governors and trustees are the opening up between the lowest and handle on quality across a MAT”. but suggested there would be no “unsung heroes of the education highest-paid people in any school”. Sir David Carter, the national additional funding ahead of the system”. Thank you, Sir David.

27 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

2018 Business review DO YOU HAVE A STORY? CONTACT US [email protected]

anecdote. STEPHEN Whilst it is right and appropriate that we continue to challenge MORALES government policy, we should Chief executive, Institute of School be careful that negativity and Business Leadership pessimism don’t begin to define us and come at the expense of a more positive and progressive dialogue that encourages innovation and Let’s take control and be appropriate change. We must not hang on for dear life to the bold about what we want status quo, entrenched behaviours and outdated approaches to the have painted a very gloomy picture running of our schools. Brexit may have dominated the help schools and trusts improve their (one that I don’t recognise as typical) There is no doubt that 2018 past year, but that shouldn’t stop financial health and ensure their and 2,000 headteachers marching has been a difficult year; cost educators seizing the opportunity future sustainability is importantly on Downing Street suggests pressures are taking a firm hold, to develop their own narrative for a symbolic for the school business there are more children with progressive education system, says special educational needs and Stephen Morales the current political uncertainty is fuelling division within our was impressed by Damian Hinds communities. the first time that I met him at a We must not hang on for In November, 300 school reception he hosted at Sanctuary I dear life to the status quo business leaders attended ISBL’s Buildings just days after his national conference. Despite the appointment as education secretary. political and fiscal backdrop, all He was complimentary about his the delegates were optimistic predecessor, Justine Greening, whom everything isn’t rosy in the education and had a can-do attitude. They I believe many of us thought was leadership community. Despite garden. recognised the challenges, but a force for good. He was certainly some headlines suggesting that the As education leaders, we often demonstrated determination, in listening mode and appeared SRMA initiative is lining the pockets criticise the government for over- resilience and resolve, despite the sympathetic about the key challenges of expensive consultants, in reality prescription, constant change and obstacles, barriers and difficult facing the sector: teacher workload, most advisers are practising school piling on new initiatives. Perhaps decisions. recruitment, assessment, the business leaders (SBLs) whose with the government in near As educators we must try to confusion over the roles of regional deployment fees will go back to their paralysis over Brexit, it is the right remain optimistic and enthusiastic school commissioners and Ofsted, schools. time for us to take the initiative and if we wish to inspire the young and, of course, funding. This initiative, led by the expert seize the opportunity to develop people we serve. Let’s try to do the As the leader of the Institute of knowledge and experience of our own narrative for a progressive best with the resources available School Business Leadership, it should practising SBLs, has already saved education system that we all believe to us, let’s be brave enough to come as no surprise that I have been schools an estimated £35 million. in. prioritise what’s important and encouraged by the faith that Hinds The test for the education secretary If we are to develop as a truly what’s not, let’s think creatively, and his ministerial team have put in as we approach 2019 will be: beyond sector-led, self-improving system, let’s not get bogged down by our professional community to help the warm words and supportive we must begin to take control bureaucracy and compliance and schools not only survive, but thrive. rhetoric, what has actually changed with a solution-based approach let’s be bold with a vision for our The introduction of school resource for schools and their leaders? underpinned by evidence not own education system. management advisers (SRMAs) to Recent television documentaries

28 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

Books for Stuck for a present for a teacher? Try our ‘nerdy Christmas! books for Christmas’ list.

For policy nerds For classroom teachers

Natural born learners Understanding how we learn: A visual guide By Alex Beard Publisher: Orion By Yana Weinstein and Megan Sumeracki, with Oliver Caviglioli Publisher: Routledge

Natural Born Learners is not dissimilar, in scope or ambition, to Lucy Crehan’s Cleverlands. This beautifully illustrated book is an But while Crehan travels the globe looking accessible, fascinating journey through at school system design, Beard visits not just research methods, findings and application, schools, but also cognitive scientists and tech designed to facilitate communication companies, in his quest to discover what between researchers, teachers and students. science can tell us about optimising learning. It gives the impression that if every teacher in the country could apply The tone is one of unbridled optimism – mostly about the potential these findings (and there’s nothing so complicated that this couldn’t be of science to revolutionise education – with plenty of real-world done), the benefits to student learning could be enormous. examples to mull over.

For anyone nurturing teachers For social justice warriors

Unleashing great teaching: The working class: The secrets to the most Poverty, education and effective teacher alternative voices development

By Ian Gilbert By David Weston and Bridget Clay Publisher: Crown House Publisher: Routledge

Unleashing Great Teaching is an optimistic A collection of essays from different book on professional development authors, The Working Class offers a new that suggests that with access to the right way of thinking, challenging educational resources, expertise and school leadership, the profession has bags of stereotypes linked to “disadvantage” – such as the idea that being from a potential to move itself forward. deprived background automatically labels you as a drain on society.

It’s full of “do and don’t” checklists for all levels, and helpful case studies Together, they form a powerful moral argument for why teachers should of what excellent professional development looks like (and doesn’t look go above and beyond for children from challenging backgrounds. like!).

29 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

Books for Christmas!

For school leaders For maths teachers

How to transform your How I Wish I’d Taught Maths school into an LGBT+ friendly place By Craig Barton Publisher: John Catt By Dr Elly Barnes and Dr Anna Carlile Publisher: Jessica Kingsley A thorough guide to maths teaching that one Elly Barnes, a former teacher and now chief would expect from the creator of the hugely executive of Educate & Celebrate – an LGBT+ popular Mr Barton’s Maths podcasts. And in education charity praised by the Department true Mr Barton style, if you only take away for Education and Ofsted – has collaborated three things: with Anna Carlile, a university lecturer, to write a practical toolkit for schools. 1. This book is essential reading for maths teachers at any career stage.

It’s an accessible read that explores and explains the relevant policies, 2. This book is broken down into very practical and useable sections. curriculum content and LGBT+ networks that are available. 3. This book is so readable that it continues to answer your own questions as they inevitably arise.

For the rebels (and rebel leaders!) For teachers thinking of giving up

Flip the System UK: How to Survive in Teaching: A Teacher’s Manifesto Without imploding, exploding or walking away Edited by Jean-Louis Dutaut and Lucy Rycroft-Smith By Dr Emma Kell Publisher: Routledge Publisher: Bloomsbury

An exciting book that brings together Written by a long-time teacher and current a wide range of people all calling for middle leader, How to Survive in Teaching teachers to take control of education. describes itself as “a celebration and a call to action”. While this book will inform and empower classroom teachers, it might be school leaders and policymakers who most need to Its premise is that while the profession may be in crisis, there are some read it – as they are probably best placed to do what it calls for! practical steps teachers, leaders and policymakers can take to stem the tide of staff imploding, exploding and leaving the profession in their droves. A heartening message!

30 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

Research

Every month Harry Fletcher-Wood reviews the evidence on a school-related theme. Contact him on Twitter @HFletcherWood if you have a topic you would like him to cover. How to improve your lesson planning

Harry Fletcher-Wood, associate dean at the Institute for Teaching

was recently asked for evidence on ways to help teachers improve their lesson planning. IMy immediate reaction was a blank, but I was reassured to find that this was not just due to my own ignorance: in maths at least, “very few studies have explored how teachers can be deliberately supported to construct high-quality mathematics lesson plans (Ding and Carlson, 2013)”. I wondered what guidance I could find on helping teachers identify what they hoped students would learn and how they would achieve it. I began by taking a step back and reviewing a paper that offers fascinating insight about effective planning. Carol Livingston and Hilda Borko studied a handful of novice and expert and Implications for Teacher Education. Journal of Two other perspectives: teachers, reviewing their planning, observing Teacher Education 37. 36-42. lessons and asking teachers to reflect on how Ding and Carlson (2013) put some of these • The IndependentWorkload Review Group they went. They found experts had a plan, but ideas to the test. They taught teachers principles work on planning noted that it was the they didn’t sit down to write one: instead, they of cognitive science, then tried to help them planning of a sequence of lessons that drew on their existing knowledge of powerful put those principles into practice. They found matters – more than individual lesson plans; explanations and examples, chewing over that, initially, teachers could not see how to planning will be easier if teachers have fully- approaches with their current class at odd incorporate principles into their planning. They resourced schemes of work, specific planning moments. received “timely and targeted” feedback across time, and high-quality resources, such as Novices, by contrast, planned in time- three lesson plans, helped them to incorporate textbooks. consuming, inefficient ways, as they slowly the desired measures (such as deep questions) Independent Teacher Workload Review Group made sense of what they were trying to teach. and understand the cognitive science principles (2016) Eliminating unnecessary workload around Experts’ plans were not too detailed or too tightly better: they ended up with “high-quality revised marking: Report of the Independent Teacher timed: they responded to students’ questions and plans”. Nonetheless, they found that the quality Workload Review Group. Department for Education. suggestions as they arose, using their knowledge of teachers’ plans dipped again once the course • W e might help teachers to make lessons and experience. Novices’ incomplete knowledge was over: ongoing support is important. Ding and structures that they use often routine: such prevented them from adapting their plans Carlson conclude that “instead of asking teachers as activities to plan an essay, read a text during lessons. to practise writing many lesson plans, teacher closely, or practise a conversation in a foreign Livingston and Borko suggest novices can educators and professional developers may first language. Such structures “create a container be helped to plan better by developing their focus on one plan and ask teachers to make within which a novice might rehearse the knowledge of what they are teaching and revisions.” relational and improvisational work that skill in “pedagogical reasoning”: they Ding, M. and Carlson, M. (2013). teaching requires” – reducing the need for invite mentors to explain their routines, Elementary teachers’ learning to construct planning. This paper shows how they can model their thinking and provide high-quality mathematics lesson plans: work in teacher education. feedback on novices’ plans. A Use of the IES Recommendations. The McDonald, M., Kazemi, E. and Kavanagh, S. (2013). Livingston, C., Borko, H. (1989) Elementary School Journal, 113(3), Core Practices and Pedagogies of Teacher Education. Expert-Novice Differences in pp.359-385. Journal of Teacher Education, 64(5), pp.378-386. Teaching: A Cognitive Analysis

31 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

Reviews

students how different subjects can link. For anyone looking to find useful information for getting the basics established, this is a great place to start.

In pursuit of a secure base? Education TOP BLOGS commentary in times of socio-political uncertainty of the week @Dr_Pam_Jarvis

Writing on the blog pages of BERA (the British Educational Research Association) Pam Jarvis explores the connections between economic uncertainty and state control and how Our blog reviewer of the week is this manifests itself in education policy. Debra Kidd, author and former teacher She explores how Twitter responds @DEBRAKIDD to such times and how “a range of dogmatic, unevidenced opinion pieces on psycho-educational topics” takes My Top 10 Picturebooks 2018 minor infractions. The slogan has over from measured and complex (actually 13) generated a lot of debate and posturing, research that can’t offer simplistic @smithsmm but beyond the binaries, there is some solutions. This is a controversial piece, thoughtful exploration of the differences but timely and thought-provoking. A Anyone teaching children to love and of removing children from class for piece for our time and a reason to step appreciate books should follow Simon support and learning, for punishment back and think about how we can better Smith, whether they are primary or or to create a hinterland between manage our responses to children and secondary practitioners. His blog posts inclusion and permanent exclusion. In to wider societal stress. and tweets are an encyclopedia of this post, Simon Kidwell, a headteacher, children’s literature for reading in and thoughtfully and intelligently explores All hail! In the inclusive classroom, the out of class and in this one he shares his the issues around striking that delicate mini whiteboard is queen favourite picturebooks. Don’t be fooled balance of meeting one child’s needs @Jules Daulby into thinking that picturebooks are for while attending to the rights of the infants – Smith shows how sophisticated others, offering a balanced and well- In this little gem Jules Daulby takes the texts can be used to develop vocabulary argued case for not resorting to humble mini-whiteboard (probably and inference, imagination and exclusion by isolation as a means of languishing in the backs of cupboards knowledge to build inquiry and deep control. Whatever your instinctive from our Assessment for Learning thinking. Taking images and texts from response to the hashtag, take the time days) and explores why and how they the books, he explores how they might to read this point of view to better can be used to support the learning link to wider themes and ideas and how understand where the campaign is and relationships of SEND children. they can enhance learning and life. coming from. While the focus is on special needs, the examples are useful for all learners and Support #BanTheBooths campaign Teaching for Recall, Fluency and help to reinforce some key principles of @simonkidwell Understanding: Blog round-up for learning – modelling, scaffolding and easy access. dual coding among them. Providing #BantheBooths, like “Ban the Bomb”, is @teacherhead helpful images and examples, Daulby not a subtle hashtag/catchphrase, but shows how the simplest of ideas can it’s certainly getting a lot of attention. Tom Sherrington offers a useful round- have greatest effect. The campaign aims to end the practice up of blog posts and literature about of using isolation booths in schools recall. He uses a great visual on mapping as a mode of punishment, often for coherence across a timeline to show

CLICK ON REVIEWS TO VIEW BLOGS 32 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

REPLY OF THE WEEK @mdrakes1 We need more great academy sponsors to step up, warns Sir David Carter

There still isn’t enough recognition for schools who are doing this work We need more great academy sponsors to step up, when they are warns Sir David Carter then inspected. Supporting Jerry Baker The multi-academy trust model is not the only model and I schools, leading would suggest the jury is still out as to the effectiveness of it a teaching overall. A figure of 60 per cent success is quoted as a historical school alliance and significant shift – well, our NAHT Aspire programme and sending out SLEs can impact on your averages 69 per cent at a fraction of the cost and without the need for the school to become an academy. In fact it was the own school + & -. Couldn’t a specific ref point be DfE that sponsored the pilot in 2013 to work with double RI included in the grade 1 box? schools. When the evaluation was published in 2016 it proved to be a viable and credible alternative that unfortunately did not fit the political message of the time: to academise everything. The school system is struggling for capacity and an open mind to THE REPLY OF THE WEEK WINS A SCHOOLS WEEK MUG. CONTACT US AT [email protected] TO CLAIM how that capacity is provided is needed. Not every school and its community want to be an academy and a choice of support for schools and their governing bodies should continue to be an option for them. ‘This is about social mobility’: trust boss defends exclusions record League tables to score schools on how many pupils take up higher apprenticeships Michael Martyn Oliver is absolutely right! Challenging schools need very Patrick Tucker clear behaviour expectations to improve, “suspension” is an I have never read so much nonsense, the snobbery is not about important tool in OGAT’s large and high-quality toolbox. Inclusion school-leavers straight into higher-level apprenticeships. and social mobility are simply woolly soundbites unless students Developing schools/parents lack of understanding is key. are successful. Organisations with a successful track record are I am working with a few law firms who are developing a genuinely transforming lives and OGAT is one of them. There are progression route from paralegal (L3) through to the L7 solicitor two groups that need to be included: those whose behaviour and apprenticeship. These L3 school-leavers would not be on the attitudes need to be changed, but also the large majority who have league table. Therefore, the league tables are already faulted as their schools, lessons and activities regularly disrupted. Anyone it’s not a true reflection on skills or employers’ needs or even who thinks that low exclusions automatically indicates either good snobbery. behaviour and/or a commitment to inclusion and social mobility is in cloud-cuckoo land. Having the will and courage to do what What do Ofsted really think on exclusions? needs to be done comes from values and commitment.

@DaveBSheppard Pat It would help if we had a clear statement about mobility too, OGAT is right to rebrand it a suspension as too many parents/ and that Ofsted and the DfE stopped using the undefined and non-school people think exclusion is permanent. I’ve worked for inaccurate term “off-rolling”. This term has no meaning in law two Outwoods in my region and have to say their systems really do and is used to cover a wide range of processes, many of which calm what were chaotic schools. But it’s a very much a system-led are lawful and proper. academy trust, works for most pupils, but not all. It is obsessed with results, it’s all the SLTs talk about.

33 @SCHOOLSWEEK FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

WEEK IN WESTMINSTER Your regular guide to what’s going on in central government

MONDAY press release about new primary school outcomes data. Talking about Brexit. Their original press release included TUESDAY a claim from Nick Gibb that “these statistics show that the gap between Still talking about Brexit. disadvantaged pupils and their peers has WEDNESDAY closed by 13% since 2010”. In fact, it was supposed to say that the The prime minister found herself in a gap has closed by that amount since spot of bother this week. Something to 2011. do with Brexit, we hear. Still, at least a press release is easier to But never fear, Damian Hinds came to correct than the parliamentary record, her rescue, with not one, not two, not which regularly features outlandish and three, but four tweets backing his boss. misleading claims from ministers of the “Let’s all get behind @Theresa_May to crown. complete the job on brexit and keep on Then again, if you think the DfE has delivering on jobs & growth and tackling had a bad year, spare a thought for long- injustices,” he gushed at 8.21am after suffering public servant Toby Young, news broke of the impending crunch who has written another article about vote. how much everyone hates him. “Let’s keep moving forward with For those who have somehow forgotten, @theresa_may,” he added at 9.46am, free-school fan Young was forced to sharing some “good stats” from the make a fast exit from his roles at both Treasury. the Office for Students and New Schools At 11.14am, he tweeted that “Now, Network after journalists inconveniently more than ever, we need the resolute found offensive tweets, including about determination of @theresa_may as we the size of women’s breasts and one complete Brexit, grow our global trade, in which he refers to a gay celebrity as and protect jobs & livelihoods”. “queer as a coot”. And at 9.32pm, following the vote, In an article for the Spectator this week, Hinds said: “Now that colleagues have Young spoke of his displeasure at having rightly backed @theresa_may to get on First Ofqual had to reissue its been disinvited from his usual raft of with delivering Brexit, we must move report on this summer’s exam series Christmas carol concerts, nativity plays forward together.” after including an incorrect graph. and parties. In case anyone was in any doubt, The original document said the “Not a single invitation,” wailed Damian Hinds is backing Theresa May. number of malpractice allegations snowflake Tobes. “No Christmas cards from whistleblowers had THURSDAY either,” he complained in disbelief, doubled, when in fact it had before blaming it all on the “Twitter Given the volume of data and guidance halved. Oops! outrage mob” rather than, you know, pumped out by various arms of Later it was the Department for his well-documented ability to Lose government this week, it’s not surprising Education’s turn to apologise after Friends and Alienate People™. that a few things didn’t go according to they got their dates muddled in a plan.

34 JO BS EDITION 161 | FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

CALL 02081234778 OR EMAIL [email protected] TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCIES

SQA SEEKING QUALIFIED TEACHERS TO ACT AS TEST ADMINISTRATORS

SQA is looking to recruit Test Administrators to manage • Communicate with various SQA/Schools/STA within the administration process within schools during the agreed timescales set out by SQA Key Stage 1 Technical Pre-test. SQA has been commissioned by the Standards and Testing Agency • Receive test materials and ensure secure storage and to conduct a Technical Pre-test from 23 April – management of them 3 May 2019. The work is on an occasional basis and involves visiting schools to administer tests that are • Visit participating schools to administer the tests in of a particularly confidential nature. accordance with SQA standards

The rates of pay vary dependent upon the nature and Applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) scale of the work. Fees and expenses will be paid for all and key stage 1 and/or 2 experience. If you would like work undertaken as well as full training provided. to be considered for this role, please visit our website www.sqa.org.uk/testadministrator. Application closing The main duties of a Test Administrator are: date is Sunday 20 January 2019. • Ensure that all aspects of the test administration is carried out meticulously and to the set instructions If you have any queries regarding this role, please email [email protected] or telephone 0345 278 8080.

HEADTEACHER Witham, Essex

Salary: L16-L22 (£57,934 - £67,008 per annum) HEADTEACHER, Great Clacton, Essex Start Date: April 2019 Salary: L15-L21 (£56,434 - £65,384 per annum) Closing Date: 11th January 2019 at noon Start Date: April 2019 Interviews: 29th January 2019 Closing Date: 11th January 2019 at noon Interviews: 28th January 2019 Howbridge C of E Junior School is a three-form entry junior school with strong links to the Parish of St Nicolas, Witham and part of the Great Clacton C of E Junior School is a two-form entry junior Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust. We are a caring school, school with strong links to the local Churches of St John’s and built on Christian Values, where every child is a happy, confident St Mark’s, Clacton and part of the Diocese of Chelmsford Vine and successful learner. Schools Trust. A caring school, built on Christian Values, where every child is encouraged to Learn, Believe and Achieve. We are looking for an inspirational and committed leader with the vision, confidence and skills to lead our school forward into its We are looking for an inspirational and committed leader with next exciting stage of development. We embrace the future with the vision, confidence and skills to lead us into the next exciting optimism and with a passion to deliver the very best education for stage of development, as we embrace the future with a passion every child. to deliver the very best education for every child.

For more information and to apply, please visit; For more information and to apply, please visit; http://www.vineschoolstrust.co.uk/vacancies. http://www.vineschoolstrust.co.uk/vacancies.

Visits to the school are encouraged and welcomed. Please contact Visits to the school are encouraged and welcomed. Please Elizabeth Williams on 01245 294496 to arrange a visit. contact Elizabeth Williams on 01245 294496 to arrange a visit.

EDUCATIONWEEKJOBS.CO.UK JO BS EDITION 161 | FRIDAY, DEC 14 2018

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The Trustees of the Athelstan Trust wish art sports hall in 2016, adding a new to appoint an excellent teacher and school food and textiles block in the spring of leader to the post of Headteacher at Bradon 2018. Our mix of modern and traditional Forest School. learning environments gives our school a We wish to appoint a Headteacher unique, individual feel that is welcomed from September 2019 The Athelstan Trust is a Multi-Academy by students and parents alike. We provide Trust formed in 2015 consisting of three a friendly, caring, creative and purposeful Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday secondary Schools (Malmesbury School, environment. Students are encouraged 7th January 2019 — Interviews on 17th Bradon Forest School and The Dean to take every opportunity given to them and 18th January 2019. Academy) in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. both academically and in extra-curricular activities. We strive to develop confident Interested applicants are invited to send a Bradon Forest is a successful and popular young adults who show both respect and letter of application, no more than two sides 11-16 school with approximately 1,000 resilience and who have high aspirations for of A4, outlining how your skills and experience students on roll in the rural village of their futures. make you a suitable candidate for this Purton, surrounded by stunning Wiltshire post. An application pack is available on the countryside with easy access to the M4. This is a very exciting time to be joining school’s website. Please send your completed Bradon Forest School was inspected in the Trust where we all work together to application form and letter to Jo Cummings at April 2016 and judged Good in all areas. raise standards in all our schools. This post the email address below. All the schools share a deep commitment offers a talented and ambitious school to delivering an excellent comprehensive leader a wonderful opportunity to work Further information: education to all the students in the Trust. in a supportive Trust that is committed https://www.bradonforest.org.uk to high quality Professional Development Jo Cummings Athelstan Trust - Company At Bradon Forest, we continue to update for its staff. We are in the early stages of Secretary [email protected] and develop our attractive site following developing a new joint sixth form with Bradon Forest School, The Peak, Purton, the construction of our new state of the Malmesbury School. Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 4AT.

Customer Success Manager

Why 2. Pro-actively engaging with our existing schools to Benefits Access to a website does not change children’s lives. ensure they are looked after, using our platform 1. Salary will be competitive and can vary Helping teachers deeply embed a great learning well and have the support they need; dependent on experience and skill set; system into the everyday habits of school life can. Join 3. Providing first-line customer support to our 2. 27 days of annual leave plus 8 public holidays. us at HegartyMaths to help our teachers and schools schools; improve students’ life chances. 4. Creating on-boarding resources to ensure How to apply teachers have the tools to help themselves. 1. Please send a cover letter and CV to Role [email protected]. All of our 1,000+ partner schools have been trained by Characteristics 2. Interviews will be conducted early in the new the founders so that implementation of HegartyMaths We are not looking for Glengarry Glen Ross (“ABC”) year and we are looking to employ soon after and service to our schools are central to our approach. style sales professionals. We want candidates to offer interview. We now want to build a team of Customer Success a more consultative and training-based approach. Key Managers to take this vital function forward and ensure characteristics include: our service and onboarding is exceptional and that 1. Experience teaching maths HegartyMaths is always making a significant positive and working in schools; difference. 2. Empathy with maths teachers; 3. Taking pride in delivering This is an office-based role in our Harrow (London) fantastic service; office. You will be responsible for 4. Being a great listener; 1. Delivering engaging online webinar training 5. Having a personable and sessions for each new school so they get the best friendly demeanour. start possible;

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HEAD OF PROGRAMME, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

THE ORGANISATION • Excellent project management skills (essential). Established in 2004, the Centre for Social Justice is an independent think • Background in one or more of the following: research, policy or education tank that studies the root causes of Britain’s acute social problems, and aims (essential). to address them through recommending to government practical, workable • A commitment to the CSJ’s vision, mission and values (essential). policy interventions. The CSJ’s vision is to give people in the UK who are • Experience of engaging with policy experts (desirable). experiencing the worst multiple disadvantage and issues of injustice, every • Experience of managing pupils with complex needs (desirable). possible opportunity to reach their full potential. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES The majority of the CSJ’s policy work is organised around five pathways to Reporting to the Head of Education, responsibilities for this post will include, poverty, first identified in our ground-breaking 2007 report, Breakthrough but will not necessarily be limited to: Britain. These are: family breakdown; educational failure; economic • Leading a high-profile policy programme to stop avoidable school dependency and worklessness; addiction to drugs and alcohol; severe exclusions and improve alternative provision in England. personal debt. In March 2013, the CSJ report It Happens Here, shone a light • Managing and developing a team of three exclusions/alternative education on the horrific reality of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK. policy specialists to meet programme goals. This report led to the passing of the Modern Slavery Act, which gained Royal • These goals relate to several initiatives aimed at further understanding Assent in March 2015. the drivers of school exclusion, the geographical spread and quality of alternative provision, and the nature of successful early intervention. THE ROLE • Drawing on existing and new evidence to refine and develop public policy The Centre for Social Justice is looking for a bright, driven individual to lead a solutions. brand-new team of school exclusion/alternative education policy specialists. • Supporting organisational initiatives to embed exclusions/AP in the mainstream policy lexicon, build support from MPs for our proposals, and The successful candidate will build on the findings and recommendations of sustain public interest in this policy area. our recent report “Providing the Alternative”, which exposed several deeply • Managing working relationships with external partners and other key concerning realities regarding the nature of exclusions and the support that stakeholders. exists beyond. Other duties that may arise from time to time.

The purpose of the role is to spearhead a major research/policy drive in this TO APPLY area, with a view to informing systemic change in our education system - Please send your CV and cover letter to: both to eliminate avoidable exclusions and improve the quality of alternative provision. [email protected] www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk | @csjthinktank THE PERSON • Ability to analyse, understand and synthesise qualitative/quantitative “On behalf of everyone in our country, let me be the first information, and to present these findings in a concise and engaging way to thank you for all you are doing to tackle the social (essential). challenges we face… your innovation and commitment • Excellent team-building/managerial skills (essential). is helping to make Britain a country that truly does work • Excellent drafting skills, including the ability to tailor to different audiences for everyone.” (essential). • A sharp communicator (essential). The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Prime Minister, March 2018

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SCHOOL UNIFORMS: MEET THE CEO WITH THE JACKET AN INSPECTOR CALLS: SPIELMAN RULES OUT T-LEVEL PIONEERS: A £135K PAY CAP THAT COSTS A PACKET OFSTED GRADE MEET THE 15 CHANGES SCHOOLS LEADING PP26-28 determined to get P18-19 determined to get P13 determined to get THE CHARGE P18-19 determined to get A digital newspaper A digital newspaper A digital newspaper A digital newspaper past the bluster and explain the facts. past the bluster and explain the facts. past the bluster and explain the facts. past the bluster and explain the facts.

FRIDAY, SEP 14, 2018 | EDITION 149 FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 | EDITION 144 FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018 | EDITION 142 The supersizing The DfE ‘poster trusts ... and SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK | @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK | @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK | @SCHOOLSWEEK Green light for boy’ marching on the schools left Ofsted MAT Downing Street P13 P20 behind inspection changes FRIDAY, SEP 28, 2018 | EDITION 151

P6 PA

SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK | @SCHOOLSWEEK The week the house of cards came down

Schools across the country are given up by their sponsors in a week of shame for the academies sector Damian Hinds:

Bright Tribe shelves its ‘I’m sorry’ controversial plan to merge with its sister trust and the future of both chains is ‘under review’ Ed sec apologises over academy saga

Free school becomes eleventh Tells of ‘respect’ for marching heads nationally to announce closure Reveals his three education priorities

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Prestigious Harris Federation PAGE 7 IS IT JUST ONE BAD APPLE? At last: A date is finally set for the first backs out of ‘risky’ deal to adopt the troubled Durand Academy children’s mental health data in 14 years MORE academy trusts slapped for misuse of building improvement grants P10

Government hiring EIGHT new fraud inspectors to beef up oversight

Academies minister claims he’s handling the problem... but is he? PAGE 6 “I thought I knew a lot about curriculum and assessment... but this is taking it to another level!” “I thought I knew a lot about curriculum and assessment... • V Certs for 14 – 16 year olds but this is taking it to another level!” • PSHE and employability qualifications Assessment Lead Programme • Post-16 qualifications Assessment Lead Programme Create a curriculum to suit • English and maths alternatives www.evidencebased.education www.evidencebased.education your school and your learners Call: 0191 240 8833 Visit: ncfe.org.uk/schools-week Email: [email protected] EXCLUSIVE

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