Transcript

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There's always challenges in schools, which make you sit-in your office, that email to be answered, that parent to be dealt with, or that matter that's arisen. But nothing is more important than the learning walk. The learning walk tells you about your school and you know about things before people are telling you. Knowledge is power. It's really important that as a senior leader, you do those learning walks every day, perhaps twice a day because that will give you the evidence of what is going on in your school.

When that Ofsted call arrives, Ofsted inspectors naturally want to do a learning walk with you. So there should be no surprises whatsoever when you are wandering around through your school. You should be well-versed in knowing what happens on an everyday basis. Don't be surprised if they ask you questions because you should be able to answer them. You should be able to lead that discussion and be able to even challenge effectively if they see something that is out of place. It might be a member staff that you know and trust, that had a bit of a mishap. Or it might be a member or staff who you're working with in order to develop the CPD and make sure that they're an effective practitioner.

When you are wandering around with Ofsted, have a dialogue with them. Talk to them about the school and talk about what you've done to improve things. They're interested in knowing what you can do and what you've done about it with your leadership team. They want to know whether you are thorough and you really do know your stuff. They've come in as a blank canvas. Yes, they've had the data, but they don't know the picture that you're going to paint without you telling them. They're intelligent people. These are well-seasoned leaders. But they're not out to get you.

The new Ofsted focus is about curriculum and how the curriculum enriches and enhances young people's lives each and every day and how we are building to make children into 21st century learners. So they're interested in what you have to say. Point to them displays that showcase the curriculum. Also, talk to them about events. These are the kind of conversations that are golden nuggets to an Ofsted inspector's ears. They are interested in what you've done and how you're promoting, teaching, and learning, but mostly, how you're making sure that those children are getting quality-first education.

Look after your staff as well when you're doing the learning walks. Highlight and showcase their best practice. Sometimes though, things don't happen to plan. Be honest and integrity learn when observing with Ofsted inspectors. They know what's going on, they will pick it up. Or sometimes, they're even surprised that you're that transparent, and that you've actually shared a piece of information that they haven't picked up.

This is you leading the process. Take ownership and make sure that they hear what you need to say. Also, talk to them about the difficulties that you have faced. No need to tell them everything but the important things. But most importantly, what are you doing about it? How are you making sure that children have the best opportunities and the best education each and every day?

The new vision set out by Amanda Spielman, the government's chief HMI for Ofsted, actually focuses on the curriculum. So it's about enriching pupils' lives, making sure that they get the best curriculum so that they're well prepared to be the next generation of movers and shakers. So for you as a leader, showcase what you are doing. What interests have you pursued with your children? How have your staff developed an ambitious agenda so that every child can succeed no matter what background they come from?

Ofsted are particularly interested in projects that are driven by middle leaders. Talk to them about your middle leaders as well. That learning walk will give them a snapshot of what you are like as a leader, how perceptive you are, how incisive you are, and a snapshot of your school and what's going on. Remember, they're only here for a day or two. Although Ofsted inspectors have a lot of information in terms of statistics, they won't know what's going on on an everyday basis. They'll be keen to learn from you and ask their own questions. It's not just you who needs to know the knowledge and be observant, and look for things that are great, and look for things that need to improve, it's everyone.

So from all levels, make sure that you do joint learning walks because they are powerful in you addressing issues that need to be addressed straight away, but also knowing your school inside out. So when that Ofsted call does come, you know exactly what to do and you know what to speak about. The other thing learning walks do is that they show Ofsted that you are a diligent leader. Great teaching and learning needs to be an expectation and a right for every pupil. And it needs to be high on your agenda. For more advice on success in leadership content, browse on the videos below.

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