Ofsted get it!

I felt like I was a bit of an Ofsted curse last week. One school that I was visiting for the first time got their 'call' while I was there and then another school that I have been working with for a while got in touch to say they were also been 'done' the same week.

Even though they are not my school I still felt really nervous for them and a bit for me because they were implementing a lot of my ideas and if Ofsted didn't like them then it would have been a disaster for all of us!

Anyway, I am pleased to report that Ofted were very impressed with the ladies in Reception and they did VERY well - although they can't tell me exactly how well as the report has not been approved yet.

I was extremely pleased to get the following email

Hi Alistair,

Thank you for your inspirational guidance! Since Karen came back after half term, we FULL ON went for your approach and set up everything just like you recommended. The OFSTED inspector was very 'early years' Early Years and had previously worked in a school 'like ours', she could see how poor our children were and said the approach we use (yours) is exactly right! It has been hard work BUT, not been hard work because we believe in what we are doing! Giving these kids the very best possible start to life is all that matters! You should see what they can do now, its amazing!!! Some of 'The boys' have even been making their own little books and talking about 'The Blurb' on the back page!!!! I am truely inspired!

So a big 'Well Done' to Ruth (who moved into Reception from Y3 in September) and Karen (her trusty and very knowledgeable TA) for their hard work and talent!

I am down in Hampshire again at the moment delivering some conferences and working in settings and I will share all the interesting things I have seen when I get back. A couple of weeks ago I was in Bishop Auckland (Co. Durham) working with some settings and was inspired by the Reception staff at Etherley Lane Primary. It is a 2-form entry with one of the smallest Reception classes I have ever seen! But as me Mam would always say - you get good stuff in little bundles!

They were doing lots of lovely work on emergent mark making...

This was very popular, particularly with the boys. It is mark making using large lollipop sticks in a tough tray filled with a thin covering of sand.

Every morning a 'target group' are taken outside by the lovely Tina to work on their emergent skills.

Ball in the leg of a pair of tights anyone? This was was a HUGE success.

Then some target practise...

And to keep those fingers flexing indoors...

Disc Shooters

Spinning Tops

and boxes of great twiddly bendy things!

Thanks Alison, Sarah and Tina - I has a great time!

I was also really chuffed last week to be asked to join the Advisory Board of EYE magazine.

Eye_cover

I have always enjoyed writing for EYE and enjoyed reading other peoples articles even more. We are always on the look out for possible contributors from all sectors of EYFS so if you have an idea or an article you think might be good - get in touch and I will certainly pass anything on to the editorial team!

Alistair

4 Comments

Lots of lovely ideas! What are those tights attached to at the top?

I was also wondering when your books listed at the side of your blog would be published? I was thinking of pre-ordering them, but I was just wondering how long the wait would be.

Posted by: Kat | 24/11/2011 at 10:27 AM

Hi Kat

You can tie or peg the tights to the washing line!

Books are with 2 different publishers, but are both 'due' to print in January - although I am fast learning that these dates do move around depending on publishing schedules.

Posted by: abc does | 25/11/2011 at 09:33 AM