Inspection Judgements 2009/10 For Maintained Schools

Ofsted has released the official data showing inspection outcomes for the first four months of the new inspection framework. The findings reflect Ofsted’s sharper focus on weaker schools and confirm that by emphasising the overall achievement of all pupils, in particular their progress as well as the quality of classroom teaching and learning, Ofsted is providing the additional challenge to schools that the new inspections were intended to provide. The link provided in this summary gives the inspection judgements for all inspections carried out in the autumn term of academic year 2009/10.

Oneplace National Overview Report

Comprehensive Area Assessment is a new way of assessing local public services in England. This report looks at the findings from the first year of CAA. It is published by six inspectorates responsible for assessing local public services in England – the Audit Commission, Care Quality Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation, and Ofsted. It sets out what we know about what helps and hinders improvement in local public services. The report also provides information for local leaders and highlights examples of how their peers have overcome some of the common challenges they face.

Family Intervention Projects

In February 2007, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) created a web-based information system to collect comprehensive data on all families referred to Family Intervention Projects (FIPs). The report researched the lives of over 1000 families and key findings from the research found that family intervention projects have an 'overwhelmingly positive' impact on anti-social behaviour.

Computers for Pupils Initiative: Final Report

This independent NfER report for Becta comes out of the government initiative to target ‘the neediest pupils in the most deprived areas’ which was announced in the Budget (March 2005). The Computers for Pupils (CfP) initiative's primary aim was to tackle the specific part of the digital divide that excludes disadvantaged young people from accessing the benefits of ICT. The key objectives of the project were to give learners the same opportunities as their peers; contribute to raising educational achievement; support personalised learning; and encourage the development of ICT skills among learners and families.

How Schools And Families Can Work Better Together

The importance of good schooling and parenting is well recognised, but the importance of how schools and families relate is much less understood. Parentline Plus and Teacher Support Network have collaborated to research how schools and families can work better together. The report ‘Beyond the school gate’ shows that parental engagement in learning is crucial to wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and attainment.

Science and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century

The Institute of Physics (IOP) has responded to Science and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century in an independent report for the government on the future of science and maths education, compiled by the Science and Learning Expert Group and chaired by Sir Mark Walport, director of the Wellcome Trust. The report gives 22 recommendations on how to strengthen science and mathematics education within schools and colleges.

The E-Skills Manifesto

Major employers in the UK have set out their recommendations on how to e-skill the workforce to create sustainable economic growth. This e-skills Manifesto has been published by e-skills UK – the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. Among the Manifesto's recommendations are calls to radically improve IT-related education, provide practical help for companies to innovate and increase productivity, and ensure that government policy reflects the strategic importance of technology.

Improving Progression To Sustainable Unsupported Employment

This Ofsted report evaluates the strategies and practices of the Workstep employment programme - funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - which supports disabled people aged 16+ in getting sustainable jobs and identifies barriers to progress.