Need to know: Amanda Spielman

Amanda Spielman will unveil her second annual report as Ofsted Chief inspector today at the end of a year when the inspectorate has found itself firmly in the spotlight.

Ofsted has found its capacity, reliability and role questioned in recent months as it balances funding cuts with its own plans to rethink how it inspects schools.

But the watchdog has also seen its place in the school accountability system strengthened with the government stating that it was the job of Ofsted and not regional schools commissioners to visit and inspect schools.

Here is everything you need to know about the key issues facing Ofsted and Ms Spielman ahead of the new report via TES

Herts for Learning launches The Great School Framework: building on The Nine Pillars of Great Schools

The Great School Framework© has been based on the learning from the London Leadership Strategy’s Going for Great (G4G) programme, national research and Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) findings.

The research has been further built upon by HfL’s experienced practitioners in Business and Educational Services to produce a model of the universal features of a great school.

The introduction of The Great School Framework© coincides with the launch of a new book which has been co-authored by HfL’s Director of Education Services, Rachel Macfarlane (right).

Called The Nine Pillars of Great Schools, the book explores the characteristics that define great schooling.

Read the full article via Herts for Learning

St Albans school talks about mental health for International Men’s Day

A St Albans Catholic School invited special guests from a range of professions to talk to pupils on International Men’s Day.

Four speakers visited Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School in Colney Heath Lane to address 300 boys from Year 7 to Year 10.

Former Tottenham and England footballer Jermaine Jonas was joined by Kiss FM DJ Majestic (Kevin Christie), journalist and Home Office press officer Conor Gaffey and kickboxing champion Ciaran Shanahan.

In a two-hour session, the guests spoke to pupils about mental health issues, overcoming adversity and how boys and men can benefit from talking more openly about their feelings.

Read more via Herts Advertiser