The Call

I've heard a lot about "the call". I wasn't sure exactly how to feel about us receiving it. Our school knew it was coming, we had an inspection two years ago and it's not like we didn't know we were expecting another. But it's still a bloody shock when it arrives. I don't even think I need to explain what "the call" is to any teachers reading this. They will know exactly what I mean. However, for those of you not working in the education sector - "the call" is from a wonderful little organisation called Ofsted.

Ahhh Ofsted, the word that strikes panic into the hearts of many. To me, it's kind of stressful but kind of not. I don't mind my lessons being observed, and I don't mind receiving feedback. If anything, I'll drag anybody into my classroom to get them to see what I'm doing right, and how I can improve if I'm not doing something properly... But maybe that's because I'm an NQT and I'm keen as anything.

Yesterday, our school got the call at lunchtime - and before the end of the day the entire school was buzzing with activity - because of Ofsted? Oh no... Because we also had the school open for the entire evening for a function. Excellent. Nobody left the school until 8:30pm (at least), and then had the standard checks every teacher wants to do (and do again, and again) until we're happy that we are ready to be seen. After the standard post-midnight bedtime, I mean - obviously.

So today I had my very first lesson observation from Ofsted as a real-life qualified teacher. I knew that I was a likely candidate as an NQT and with a six-lesson jam packed timetable today, I would have been very surprised if I hadn't been seen at some point! The worst part of the whole thing? Not knowing when, where or what lesson they're going to come to. Will it be the first half? The second half? Five minute learning walk or a full-blown 25 minute observation?

Today I got the full-blown 25 minute observation, during a Y9 Textiles class. They came in during my Starter activity, stayed during a demonstration, stayed whilst the students began their practical work, examined my teacher planner, examined my marking, looked through my books, asked the students questions about the work they were doing... And then they left.

And do you know what? It wasn't that scary. I don't know if it's just that as I've only recently qualified that I'm just used to having people in the room with me, or that if it's because I'm only five weeks into my teaching career - or if it's just that generally I'm not one to get into a flap about situations I only have so much control over. For whatever reason; I did alright.

I've just had a meeting where I've received my feedback, and everything that was said tied in with the things I already know. Obviously it's not going to be perfect; I'd have been concerned if it was to be honest... But luckily everything in my "areas for improvement" feedback is everything that is already my focus points in my NQT Action Plan. So I can't be too concerned about my shortcomings - I'm already working on them!

Obviously I had strengths that were noted as well - my subject knowledge and my positive relationships with the students in my class (both big deals for me!) - and to be honest I had another noted strength but I've genuinely forgotten what it was. It was such a blur! Let's just pretend that Ofsted said I was awesome and have done with it? Yeah?

Anyway. That's been Day One with Ofsted in my school. In my fifth week as an NQT and inspected by HMI already. That's surely a reason to have a glass of wine tonight?

Wait, they're back in tomorrow?! We have to do this all again?!

It's alright. We got this. Just keep smiling, and it'll work out just fine.