NEWSLETTER: Preparations for next year underway - OFSTED plan for inclusive inspections

Preparations for the next academic year are underway as Ofsted plan to expand their SEND inspections to include all pupils in alternative provision.

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said the combined strategies for SEND and Alternate Provision allowing improved inspections could support local areas to:

“think strategically about how these two important parts of the education system can work together effectively.” – Schools Week

The pandemic has slowed children’s academic progress and SEND students have suffered even further. Ofsted conducted a research report area based on SEND inspections last autumn and this spring stating:

“40 percent of parents said their child was unable to engage with remote learning during the pandemic.” – Schools Week

Online learning became the most practical way of children learning during lockdown’s but they had implications. Despite the statistic, EDClass has been effectively helping children achieve their educational goals in these troubling times.

EDClass has had recent subscriptions including:

• Little Plumstead Primary School
• Trumpington Community College
• Acklam Grange School
• Co-op Academy Manchester
• University Academy Holbeach
• The Boswells School
• Jewellery Quarter Academy
• Christ the King College

All these renewals highlight the value of the platform and how it can help with educational recovery.

Also, results for student’s assessments this year are to be decided by teachers, after summer exams were cancelled in January because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, schools want a rebate on this summer's exam fees.

“Nearly two in three (65%) head teachers surveyed by the Association of School and College Leaders said exam boards should offer a 75% rebate this year.” - BBC

Schools have faced difficulties with marking exams this year. Online exams could help ease the pressure due to their efficiency and EDClass offers a safe and secure platform for this.

Students have faced challenges with exams and also dealing with mental health and behavioural issues this year. EDClass has recently experienced more learners using the chat support for behavioural reasons and dealing with issues such as anxiety. Our qualified teachers and support staff are always ready to help.

EDClass can also help with exclusions. The Kingsway School in Stockport have been listening to how EDClass can help manage their pupils in exclusion.

Teaching can be strenuous but the EDClass platform allows learning to be continued in whatever circumstance your school finds itself in.

Physical education for students is vital and also needs to be focused on. EDClass’ product PE Office recently has had three enquiries of how it can help deliver physical education to children, especially disadvantaged pupils.

“Research from the Millennium Cohort Study indicates that the pattern of physical activity indirectly influencing progress at school, by boosting self-control, is particularly pronounced among disadvantaged children.” - TES

Educational recovery has dominated news lately but online security has also come into dispute.

“there has been a consistent level of ransomware attacks in education settings, including a spate affecting more than 70 schools at the start of 2021.” – New Statesman

Even schools in Kent had to close recently due to security breaches. Take a look at our blog on the importance of online security here.

EDClass has been busy working to prepare students with their educational recovery towards the end of this school year, through to the summer holidays and into the next school year.

If you would like any information on EDClass or any of our products we would be happy to assist you. Please phone 01909 568 338, mail us on enquires@edclass.com or request a demo here.