The MSA Autumn Conference took place on the 30th September 2015 at Beswick library. Chris Beswick, a highly regarded education consultant, presented ‘Ofsted Changes September 2015 – The Future of Inspection.’ Chris’ presentation looked at what the new framework is designed to do and how this will be achieved. He gave an overview of short inspections, looked at changes around the grade descriptors as well as changes around safeguarding and self-evaluation summary documents (SESDs). The session ended with a group activity on the topic of the practical implications for schools and Chris then shared some useful documents with the group. Chris was well received by the range of headteachers, governors and deputies from primary, high and special schools that were in attendance and feedback from the group suggested that everyone had taken some valuable information away from the session.
Comments from delegates;
What did you find most useful?
“A clear, concise & incredibly useful overview of the new framework and its’ implications”
“The clarity of the explanations and the key documents at the end.”
“Clear presentation flagging up the changes in the framework and information around self-review”
What will you take away from the event?
“I have lots to do, I need to write a SEF & prepare key documents”
“New information relating the inspections, particularly the short inspections”
“Information I wasn’t aware of before such as the Inspection Data Dashboard”
The conference was followed by the AGM. There was reflection on the work the MSA has done over the last year and all of the events the MSA had been involved in through the Director’s report. The annual accounts were agreed and decisions were made regarding the constitution of the board going forward for 2015/16.