Quality Times is Natspec’s twice yearly publication focused on quality improvement across the breadth of specialist college provision. It features articles written by members, partners and staff in the Natspec team.
In Issue Nine, available now to Natspec members, there is a focus on Ofsted inspection. Ruth Perry shares the learning from the ‘Understanding Ofsted inspection’ events run by Natspec over summer term, and three senior leaders share their different perspectives. Ben Bastin from Treloar’s reflects on being a new head of college inheriting a college with an Outstanding grade; Adele Austin from Nash College reflects on being the (then interim) principal charged with turning around a college graded Inadequate; and Lisa Hart from Henshaws shares her experience of challenging Ofsted misperceptions mid-inspection.
Donna Fenley from National Star writes about her experiences on the Natspec SEND leadership programme and how the conference she gained has resulted in improvements to the quality of the pathway she leads. Victoria Elliott, from Trinity Multi-Academy Trust reflects on how developing a trauma-informed approach has enhanced the support they offer learners. Additionally, there’s an interview with Jane Ragless, who has joined the Natspec team, where she shares her vision for Natspec’s new Centre for Excellence in SEND.
We’ve also made Issue Eight of Quality Times available to everybody, not just members. In this issue, released February 2023, we shared information on how Natspec supports its members to improve the quality of their provision. Shari Welsford from Sense College East explained how investing in staff training from Natspec Transform has helped the college improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Dawn Green, one of our Natspec associates who works with us on our Transform consultancy offer, reflected on the support she offers colleges and how it helps colleges improve their provision. Ruth Perry wrote about recently developed Natspec quality improvement services, the quality reviews and the college improvement partner service.
Neil Harrod-Beck from TechAbility set out some quality indicators for effective Assistive Technology, and how to assess provision against them. And Kathryn Taylor from Newfriars College described how the college has run with the idea of adaptive teaching and applied it not not just to curriculum delivery but also to curriculum design.
We hope that these articles inspire you to think about and continue on your quality improvement journey with energy and enthusiasm.
We’re always on the look-out for contributors to Quality Times. If you’d like to share your quality improvement story in a future edition, whether that’s in relation to education, care or health, please do get in touch with Ruth at ruth.perry@natspec.org.uk