Thread by @HT_StMonicas

Some thoughts on proposals for @Ofstednews to inspect remote lessons.
1. I imagine this is really about compliance. Schools have been given guidance as to time/expectation/delivery models. I see why the regulator needs to do this - it’s is public money. BUT...

2. Remote (whatever that means) is new. And it is iterative. Imagine judging a first time father when he changes his first nappy. It’s the same with staff who are learning how to re-teach their subject in a totally new medium. All someone could really do is advise..

3. There are so many contextual delivery models and there is no accepted ‘best ways’. As such judging is almost impossible. Who is to say that a hybrid model is better than fully live? As a Headteacher i wouldn’t a fireplace salesman.

4. I’m not sure Ofsted (who haven’t delivered live lessons) right now understand the nuance of it. We’ve been amending our delivery model every day. And so far it’s just been remote delivery. We are only now really grappling with remote ASSESSMENT and all that entails.

5. We have often struggled with the concept of progress as a sector. What does ‘progress’ look like when a teacher does not have their ‘in the room’ influence? How can someone right now demonstrate what has been taught has been learnt?

6. Safeguarding and well-being checking is something that right now is just as important- and this is something that has also evolved over the pandemic. This actually causes most leaders the worry - and remote lessons are actually a welfare checking tool.

7. It seems odd that an obsession with ‘you will do remote teaching as we think you should’ is the approach. Surely it’s a ‘tells us what’s working and this can then inform where we all go next?’ Perhaps we need a #pauseremoteofsted

8. It takes bravery to sometimes do nothing. My view is that it’s ok to be honest and say ‘we are reviewing and improving each week’ - isn’t that the essence of education? If @Ofstednews pay us a visit so be it. It isn’t going to change our agenda.