JMC has a deep understanding of Ofsted requirements and standards, which they use to empower schools towards achieving excellence. Under JMC’s leadership, schools have consistently shown marked improvements. Their collaborative approach engages staff and drives long-lasting change.
Trust CPD Lead
Alternative Provision inspection support and preparation
Alternative provision that is registered with Ofsted undergoes inspection like any other institution. Pupil referral units are schools, and the inspection framework applies. However, it needs to be applied carefully, with an understanding of the school’s context and the pupils it serves.
We have serving inspectors who have experience of both working in alternative provision and inspecting it. They can provide nuanced understanding of the framework and measured judgement to help prepare you for inspection.
Unrivalled Leadership Experience in Alterative Provision and PRUs
All our inspection teams are led by an experienced lead Inspector (LI). The collective depth and breadth of experience of our inspection team is unrivalled. Our LI’s are often former Headteachers, many have worked at Executive level in Multi-Academy Trusts.
Amongst our inspection team are:
- Former Senior Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI)*
- Former Ofsted National Subject leads
- Current Ofsted Inspectors
- Former Senior Local Authority School Improvement Advisors
- Former Education Directors of Multi Academy Trusts
- Former DfE National Leaders of Education (NLE)
- Former Headteachers & Executive Headteachers
*NB Current HMIs are prohibited by Ofsted from carrying out any school improvement work
During the mock Ofsted, JMC quickly assessed what our primary needs were and responded immediately. We feel much better equipped for the task ahead.
Judy Packham, Director, Springboard Education
How can we support your Alternative Provision?
JMC can provide inspection support that is right for your institution. Many elements would be the same as for maintained schools and academies. Alongside this, however, our preparation would be matched to your unique circumstances.
For example, we would look at the rationale and intent behind the school’s particular curriculum choices. We would consider how the behaviour of pupils is managed, given the possibility that many may have been excluded from mainstream schools. We would also work with school leaders to articulate how they provide a rich school experience for pupils with different needs; some may be on short-term placements and others may be at the school for medical reasons. It goes without saying that safeguarding takes on particular significance in AP, and we would ensure that leaders were fully prepared for inspection on this front.
Has your school, academy or PRU already been visited by Ofsted & placed into a category such as serious weaknesses or special measures?
We can support you in putting together an action plan / submission to the DfE, as well as carrying out an external review or monitoring visit . Find out more here
JMC Post Ofsted Support Team
The Mock Inspection Process
The LI will be your first point of contact once you have decided to take advantage of our ‘mock inspection’ service. Although they are referred to as ‘mocks’ they are designed with school improvement in mind, your lead inspector will act as an informed guide to help your setting prepare effectively. Our inspection teams offer a mixture of training, coaching and mentoring throughout the process.
The inspection will encourage both reactive and proactive improvement in the quality of education provided by school
The inspection will help to standardise teaching, enable benchmarking and comparison in improving the quality of teaching and learning.
Pre Inspection Audit
Prior to the inspection our team will review your website, including an agreed list of named policies appropriate to the scope of the inspection, as well as other relevant documentation specified by your Lead Inspector.
Mock 90 Minute Ofsted Educationally Focussed Conversation
If required, we can arrange a ‘mock phone call’ between our Lead Inspector and the Head of the setting. Many settings opt for the ‘mock’ phone call as part of a full mock inspection, but it is also a valuable exercise on its own where it usually lasts around 2-3 hours as it is part mock part mentoring from our lead inspector.
The 90-minute phone call is more than an administrative discussion; it will set the tone and inspection trails for the whole inspection. This big picture discussion is pivotal to the direction and outcome of the whole inspection, so it is crucial for headteachers and senior leadership teams to plan and prepare for it in advance. Our mock pre- inspection call is a valuable exercise helping the Head or Principal & SLT prepare for the call as well as using it as a coaching opportunity to learn from our Lead Inspector.
Mock Inspection Visit
Our inspection teams conduct the mock inspections over 2-3 days depending on the size of the setting. We can carry out a graded ( Section 5) or ungraded ( section 8) inspection , depending on which you are due next.
Not sure of the difference between graded and ungraded inspections? Find out more here
Use of Evidence
The team’s judgements on the education quality criteria are based as far as possible on first-hand evidence and include the following activities:
- Subject Deep Dives into Curriculum areas such as Maths, English, Literacy / Reading Science or Humanities
- Observation of lessons and scrutiny of samples of students’ work
- Consultation with students
- Discussion with the Governors or Trustees of the school/Academy
- Analysis of evidence provided by students and staff
- Analysis of documentary evidence, including performance indicators and self-evaluation
- Consideration of any significant changes or overt progress over recent years.
Mock Inspection Report
You will receive both verbal feedback and a comprehensive written report which can be presented to the School Governors or Trustees.
The ExSEF: Our Enhanced package includes a review of your SEF (an External SEF) with recommendations related to the inspector’s findings, compiled after the visit.
How much will it cost?
We pay particular attention to team composition ensuring that our staff are suitable given the size and character of the school.
The cost depends on 4 factors:
1. Size of the Inspection Team
2. Number of days
3. Scope of the inspection
4. Nature of the setting: E.g. Size, age range, number of sites
For a quote or to learn more about our mock Ofsted inspections, then don’t hesitate to get in touch using our enquires form
