In this article series, we’ll be looking at some of the “Outcomes for pupils” for the 50 Ofsted Judgements published in October 2017 which were “Requires Improvement”.

This article is about Key Stage 1

Changes from September 2017

In 2017, the IDSR included the following analyses for Key Stage 1:

  • All pupils,
  • EYFSP Emerging,
  • EYFSP Expected,
  • EYFSP Exceeding and
  • Disadvantaged.

However, the November 2017 Ofsted newsletter (the “School inspection update”) said:

The EYFSP groups allow inspectors to reflect on a school’s approach to early literacy and numeracy, across early years, Year 1 and Year 2. This is not a value added measure, nor is it an accountability measure and should not be reported as an outcome. It is to inform inspectors and to prompt questions about the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.
We will continue to review the content of the new IDSR in response to feedback, including the groups presented.

This is reflected in the comments in the Ofsted judgements for Key Stage 1. Generally comments are for reading, maths and writing separately, both at the expected standard and the greater depth standard, when compared with the National Average.

Comparisons with the National Average – Expected Standard

Ofsted will comment if the school’s performance is above the National Average, which for these “Requires Improvement” schools is rarely:

At the end of key stage 1 in 2017, the proportion of pupils achieving at least the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics was well above national averages.

Standards in key stage 1 have improved since the previous inspection. Attainment is above the national average at the expected standard.

If National Averages have not been reached, then Ofsted can see if results are improving:

There are indications of an improving picture for pupils currently in key stage 1 in reading, writing and mathematics.

Although outcomes are improving rapidly, pupils’ progress, given their starting points, is not good.

There are indications of an improving picture for pupils currently in key stage 1 in reading, writing and mathematics.

Further work is needed to ensure that these improvements are sustained for the current pupils.

Conversely, Ofsted also comment where results are below the national average:

In key stage 1, the proportion of pupils achieving at the expected standard has been below the national average in reading and writing.

At the end of key stage 1, the proportions of pupils achieving the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics have been below the national averages for the last two years.

Although improving, attainment in writing has been below the national average at key stage 1 for the past two years.

These last two comments (“below for the last two years”) are mirrored in the IDSR for Key Stage 1.

Comparisons with the National Average – Greater Depth

There are occasional comments regarding the greater depth standard or the most able pupils:

In 2018, more of the most able pupils made good progress to achieve the higher standards.

An increasing proportion of these pupils are reaching the higher standards.

A higher proportion of pupils achieved at greater depth in reading compared with the national average. 

Current assessment information and work in pupils’ books show clear improvement for the most able pupils in key stage 1.

However, the proportions of pupils achieving greater depth declined for all three subjects for the same time period.

Ofsted do sometimes speak about progress to Key Stage 1, but not in terms of emerging, expected, and exceeding, but as a broad brush:

Outcomes are inconsistent because, over time, teaching has not ensured that all pupils make the progress they are capable of

We hope that you have enjoyed this article.

It was based on the Ofsted Inspection Reports of 50 schools which were judged to be “requires improvement” between September 2018 and January 2019.

DAISI Education

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