As a head I was always pleased when November ended and the school started to prepare for Christmas, a lovely time for pupils in schools -except perhaps for year 11s who may be doing their mock GCSEs. I hope that it will be an enjoyable time for you, your staff and governors too; I am well aware of all the work that will go into activities of the last few weeks and am very grateful to you all.
In the service we are looking forward to the New Year when John Paul Morrison commences his role as Director of Education, and I am looking forward to returning to being a member of the Education Commission. I have learnt a great deal during my time as Interim Director and I shall try to put that knowledge to good use during our discussions. It has been a privilege to be part of the Education Service and I am very grateful to Bishop John Sherrington for giving me this opportunity and to you all and the members of the service who have been so welcoming and supportive during my time here. At the beginning of this school year Bishop John expressed the hope that your work this year would enable the children and students in our schools and colleges to focus and deepen their understanding of the call to be a disciple who is sent bearing faith, hope and love into the world. There is no greater calling than to be part of this mission.
God bless you and thank you
Kate Griffin
Good News Slot
Sion Manning Girls, North Kensington for obtaining the Inclusion Quality Award; Sion Manning were also awarded a Teach First Certificate after giving an exceptional performance by their Steel Band at Teach First London Region Opening Ceremony; St Raphael’s Primary, Northolt who celebrated their Golden Anniversary on 10th September. The following day the pupils had a “Golden Day” and released 50 Gold Balloons; St Joseph’s Primary School, Goodson Road, Brentwas one of seven most outstanding state schools in London 2012/2013 who obtained the Academic Excellence Award 2013 at the Evening Standard School Awards in Kensington on 14th November. St Joseph’s have also been made a member of the Mayor of London’s Gold Club for Schools. / Changes to the Diocesan Inspection Process – January 2014
The Diocesan Inspection Committee have agreed changes to the timing of Diocesan Inspections to allow schools to make adequate preparation, but not to burden them with an extended period of waiting for the actual date of their inspection to be announced. The current practice of a term’s notice was considered too long and 5 working days’ notice raised the difficulty of ensuring parity of preparation time for all schools during the working week.
From 6 January 2014 the following changes will be introduced:
- Schools will receive 2 working days’ notice of the date of their Diocesan inspection. This means that inspections will occur on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays of the school week. The Chief Inspector will phone the school on the morning of the day which allows for two working days’ notice -
After the school has been informed of its inspection date, the lead inspector will phone the head to make all necessary arrangements.
- Schools can expect their inspection according to the Diocesan schedule, based on the grade of their previous inspection. (every 5 years for outstanding and very good schools; every 3 years for schools judged good; every 2 years for schools causing concern)
- Revised documentation will be placed on the website on Wednesday 11 Dec.
- The revised Diocesan Handbook sets out very clearly any changes to the process.