The big news this week, was of course…the launch of the consultation on the new Ofsted Inspection Framework, in readiness for September 2019 implementation; where Amanda Spellman has claimed that the focus will be on the ‘substance and integrity’ of education. I have attached a summary of how the inspection will change from September for your perusal. The consultation will run until 5th April and Camden Learning are in the process of negotiating for an HMI to come to Camden and hold a round table discussion with Heads and Chairs of Governors, so that we can compile a comprehensive and collective response to the consultation.

The fresh focus on the curriculum is one that I welcome and it was probably about time that there is an emphasis and weighting in a new framework. Of course, the question on everyone’s lips is; do Ofsted have a favoured or preferred curriculum approach, or is there the opportunity for a local, school perspective and design?

There may be the potential for a couple of our schools to be part of the Ofsted pilot this term, which will be a valuable insight into the approach and style that will be taken by inspectors. The learning that comes from the pilots around some of the ripples associated with the consultation will be key, for example, how inspectors will judge the impact on the curriculum and the suggested decrease in the focus on data to show progress, with an increase in the use of work scrutiny.

We are delighted that Camden has been successful in becoming one of 25 Trailblazers to establish Mental Health Support Teams in schools. The programme was launched at Acland Burghley School at the end of the autumn term by the two Secretary of States for Education and Health. The 3-year pilot is a collaboration between the Council, Camden CCG and Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, and coordinated by the CAMHS service.

The Mental Health Support Team will consist of 12 mental health practitioners, involving a mixture of trainees and senior practitioners, who will support children and young people with mild mental health difficulties and support vulnerable groups who are at risk of developing mental health problems. The aim is to enhance the school’s pastoral care support providing early intervention. Over the 3-year pilot, the Teams will be supporting all primary and secondary schools but will begin by supporting 20 primary schools and all secondary schools.

Finally, I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible next week at Camden Learning’s first annual general meeting and annual lecture from Dominic Wyse. Each school should have received the formal invitation this week and the attached proxy form. Please either send the completed proxy form back to Camden Learning via email or post, or hand it in on the evening, no later than the start of the meeting.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director, Camden Learning

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