I have always wondered what it would be like to have Ofsted coming
to inspect our school. The stigma that came with this has always unsettled me. That
dreaded email came through, and I live to tell the story of how I survived my
first ever Ofsted inspection…
I’ve heard there is a certain atmosphere to a school after
finding out that Ofsted is due; especially if the last inspection did not go to
plan. From observation, as our school received ‘the call’ most of my colleagues
were focused and determined to ensure they were planned and prepared, so they
can give the best account of themselves as teachers. For some, there was a hint
of panic and uncertainty of how the couple of the inspection days will unfold.
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| My school life mantra... |
As a first timer, I was both excited to showcase what I had
learnt in the last year or so since I started this journey. At the same time,
there was an air of panic and there were infinite what ifs that lingered in my
mind. What if I have a poor lesson? What if I am not good enough? What if I let
the school down? And the dreaded one, what if the students do not behave and it
is an absolute shambles? All of these thoughts ran through my mind as I fell to
sleep on the eve before the first day of inspection. Safe to say, those couple
of days sleep were not the best.
I’d always thought I taught lessons which are Ofsted worthy
all the time. On reflection, this has definitely not been the case. How naïve of
me! Some of my lessons are brilliant and
I observe progression from all (ish) students, in others I am genuinely trying
to stay sane and wondering how I had got myself in this situation. Stood in
front 20 odd students, teaching... The fact of the matter is, it is somewhat
impossible to have an Ofsted worthy lesson 100% of the time. There are many
factors involved, some we control and can take ownership of. Others are completely
out of our hands.
Although I was not personally inspected, the experience has
been valuable and it has taught me to always be prepared as the old quote goes.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
