How to…have a happy Ofsted inspection!

From lessons to assessments and support for Ofsted inspections, we’re here to assist you, and your school deliver the very best PSHE experience available.  Our PSHE lessons are created by Teachers for Teachers whilst being underpinned by valuable research on the importance of supporting the mental well-being of our children.

In this blog, we explore the idea of enjoying Ofsted and how on earth this could be possible – and achievable!

I’ve always loved an Ofsted, which is lucky since I’ve been involved in enough of them! I remember the fear and trepidation when my first Ofsted was scheduled. After the fear had subsided and the inspection was over, I was graded ‘Outstanding’ for my troubles and dedication.

Of course, not every inspection went swimmingly, and I’m acutely aware of the high tension that a looming Ofsted can instil. There is a perceived willingness to criticise and find fault, and of course, the increased teacher workloads of up to (maybe even beyond) sixty hours a week. There has also been controversy surrounding the overtly political policy of averting attention from lack of funding and equipment in favour of naming and shaming ‘lazy staff’ or ‘incompetent schools’.

So, given the above, you might ask, why have I always loved Ofsted?

It’s simple. I see Ofsted as an opportunity to demonstrate my passion for teaching. My love of inspiring children; my enthusiasm for leading innovation and establishing the best pedagogy.

I believe Ofsted is a brilliant way to show off our considered and personalised curricula, one which integrates life skills with learning, which challenges and enthrals! But most importantly, it is an effective way for leaders to cut through the doom and gloom and fear and trepidation to advocate for the importance of being a happy school.

I know, however, in reality, Ofsted inspections are daunting and stressful. So, I’d like to share some LifeWise tips with you in the hope that you can love Ofsted too!

Inspiring children

The LifeWise curriculum is designed to positively prepare children for life. To talk to children, we have to engage and inspire them.  LifeWise offers genuinely engaging lessons. Each lesson includes videos, cartoons, quizzes and challenges to engage and inspire. The curriculum is designed to have a long term impact on children, ensuring that they are prepared for life.

Leading innovation

Leveraging a fully curated, Ofsted approved curriculum makes innovation easy. LifeWise offers industry-leading lessons; with incorporated physical activities to provide students with a unique online/offline experience.  Students love the LifeWise PSHE lessons (and so does Ofsted)!

Establishing best pedagogy

LifeWise delivers unique and complete learning through gamification, play and multi-sensory activities. The flexibility and creative philosophy of practice that gamification allows for new effective teaching and learning.

“That’s what games are, in the end. Teachers. Fun is just another word for learning.”

 Raph Koster, A Theory of Fun for Game Design

Of course, LifeWise also ticks all of the standard Ofsted boxes, including sequencing and documentation, to remove a mountain of pressure. LifeWise even offers an in-house audit to make sure you’re ready for that inspection. Are you feeling the love yet?

Ultimately, whilst we can explain team performance and its variation by attributing it to the quality and effectiveness of its leaders, it’s not always attributable to paperwork or admin or precise strategic planning or data handling. Of course, those things are essential, but there’s no need to keep re-inventing the wheel when you can place belief in LifeWise for knowing what works and ditching what doesn’t! Because when those inspectors arrive, they will feel the ethos and experience the joy; they will know if the paperwork is compensation for the lack of flourishing humans. LifeWise can ensure that the sounds you need Ofsted to hear are amplified in your inspection.

If you’re interested in finding out how LifeWise could help you love Ofsted, get in touch with our team to find out more.

We’re LifeWise. We’re passionate about PSHE.