I was reflecting with a Headteacher this week on just the frenetic busy(ness) of the term already, just a matter of days in. We are all grappling with the adaptations of the contingency framework, which still throws inevitable, technical curve balls, as well as the debate and potential decision about roll out of vaccinations to secondary students aged 12 and above and the practicalities of this programme. Ofsted inspections will resume for the first time since March 2020, with some significant changes and bite to the framework. With this in mind, I will be updating primary and secondary heads next week on some of the key themes, changes and areas, where schools really do need to focus attention, especially if they recognise and predict that their school is in the broad Ofsted window. It is now a case of getting ‘match fit’ for any potential inspection, where Ofsted have shared their expectations around a systemic approach to reading, a plan and approach to harmful sexual behaviour reflected in the PSHE curriculum (a potential deep dive) and the vital importance of middle/subject and department leadership. With all of this in mind, Camden Learning are running Ofsted readiness CPD sessions over the next two weeks. Prue Barnes-Kemp is running a session next week on Thursday 16 September, 4pm-5.30pm. The session is for primary colleagues, aimed specifically at middle leaders and the fundamentals of their role. Lisa Gorman is running a session for secondary colleagues on Monday 20th September, 9am-10am. This session is aimed at headteachers and senior leaders and will focus on updates to the Education Inspection Framework from September 2021.

I am sure everyone knows now that Kate Frood and Joe Edwards are leading on the Early Career Framework and rolling out the suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). We are delighted to be a delivery partner with EDT and you wont have failed to see the email box begin to be littered with random NPQ providers, it is a flooded market with lots of hard sell. Locally, we have decided to initially run two programmers with EDT, firstly the NPQLTD (leading teacher development) and the second NPQSL (aspiring senior leaders). There are benefits in keeping these local, bringing colleagues together from across Camden and we really hope you sign up with Camden Learning and those NPQs on offer.

NPQLTD is free to all schools and aspiring Senior Leaders is free to schools in top 30% deprivation (most of Camden), otherwise they cost of approximately £800-£1000. The programmes are broadly 12 months long and are a mix of self-study, webinar and face to face. For those aspiring to headship, we are recommending Ambition Institute for NPQH, the participants would definitely benefit from a wider pan London network for this one. The closing date for a November start, is 3rd October. You will have received an invitation and Zoom links to a set of webinar briefings next week which are open to all. This is a really great opportunity for professional development and succession planning. If you have not received the Zoom links, please email Hana.Emami@camden.gov.uk.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director of Camden Learning