Home / Ofsted names members of its external reference groups
Ofsted names members of its external reference groups
EB News: 05/09/2024 - 10:47
Ofsted has named the members its new external reference groups that have been established to give independent advice as part of the organisation's reforms.
The measure was announced by Chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver as part of his response to the “Big Listen” consultation.
The members will have experience in many areas, including curriculum, teaching and assessment, behaviour and attendance, inclusion, and well-being of staff.
The groups will meet three times a year and will discuss and challenge Ofsted’s data, research and evaluation plans, act as expert advisors on their specialism, and advise on proposed developments around Ofsted’s areas of research interest, policy or practice.
Nearly three-quarters of teachers (72%) say the current SEND system fails children, yet more than half (56%) expect anticipated reforms to negatively impact SEND pupils with complex needs.
Over a quarter of all schools and colleges across England are taking part in the free National Education Nature Park programme, which sees young people create nature-rich spaces on school sites.
The government has announced a new package of bursaries and scholarships worth up to £31,000 to train to teach in subjects including chemistry, maths, physics, and computing.
Schools in England could face an annual shortfall of £310 million in covering the cost of free school meals unless urgent action is taken, according to a new report led by Northumbria University.