Management Information Sheet

Norfolk LA has always requested schools to contact the support line with details of Ofsted inspection notification. With the introduction of the new framework (September 2012) and the September 2012 Subsidiary Guidance (click here) this is particularly important as notification will only be received by schools the afternoon before the inspection begins. As part of this process when notifying a headteacher that their school is to be inspected, lead inspectors must ask for a meeting to be set up with a representative from the Local Authority (or academy chain if the school is not a Local Authority school). This will apply to all maintained Local Authority schools and any academies or free schools that are part of a chain or formal partnership. This does not apply to converter academies that are not part of a chain (Ofsted are considering the recent update that requests inspectors to speak to those key external partners who provide support to Converter Academies. Inspectors will need to check with the school if there is anyone in this role). This conversation may be a face-to-face meeting or take place by telephone. Lead inspectors will also request that, where possible, a representative from the Local Authority or academy chain is present at the inspection feedback. The purpose of the meeting with the representative of the Local Authority or academy chain is to consider the impact of their support. Inspectors must include a brief comment in the inspection report on the level and impact of this support under the section on leadership and management.

There are two numbers for the support line: 01603 307797 and 307750 (or out of office hours contact 07876137828). Please ring either of these numbers as soon as you are notified. You will then be contacted by the duty adviser to discuss any queries you may have. These numbers are also the ones that lead inspectors will need to use when setting up meetings with the Local Authority.

The Local Authority will continue to send a representative to Ofsted feedbacks. Please will you notify the support line as soon as you are aware of the time. Please could you also send a copy of the draft report as soon as you receive it to either:

Julia Idiens
Anita Lee