Why primary schools should have a new inspection model

The Oxford School of Thought (OST) is the primary education think tank – the first of its kindin the UK. They regard learning as a continuum, and we recognise the powerful and enduringinfluence of primary education across a lifetime of learning.OST proposes a distinct model of school inspection for primary schools, highlighting theneed for a framework that reflects the unique nature of primary education.The current inspection model, which primarily caters to secondary schools, fails to addressthe developmental and educational needs of primary school children. This has led to a lackof focus on the holistic, child-centered approaches necessary for young learners.The document emphasises that primary education fosters curiosity, relationships, and abroad, engaging curriculum, factors critical to the early stages of lifelong learning.To improve outcomes for students and to support teachers, the proposed inspection modelshould focus on these aspects, providing a more supportive, collaborative, anddevelopmental approach to school evaluation.The paper outlines some key components for a primary-specific inspection framework, suchas the importance of cross-curricular links, teacher-pupil relationships, inclusivity, and theintegration of the school within its community and primary teaching experience forinspectors.By calling for a developmental and collaborative inspection model the paper aims to shiftaway from punitive measures and towards a system that encourages continuousimprovement, addresses the well-being of both students and staff, and contributes to thebroader goal of fostering lifelong learning.This new approach is seen as essential for enhancing the education system, teacherretention, and children's mental health, and is framed as a necessary step in responding torecent government reviews on curriculum, assessment, and inclusion.Full details at https://www.oxfordschoolofthought.org/ost-report-primary-inspectionDiscover more about Education on Fire🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Explore the podcast https://www.educationonfire.com/listen🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip https://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial - See how I record and produce this show.

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Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future. While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced. Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’