The progress and outcomes for EAL and bilingual pupils continue to form part of OfSTED's inspection framework within the revised inspection regime which commences in September 2012. Page 23 of OfSTED's recently published new inspection Handbook notes that inspectors will continue to investigate how well pupils learning EAL are helped to make progress and fulfil their potential.
Whilst the text of this shorter handbook frequently includes the phrase 'different groups of pupils currently on the roll of the school, including disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs and those for those for whom the pupil premium provides support', it needs to be recognised that 'different groups of pupils' is inclusive of EAL and ethnic minority pupils as well as pther significant groups as is clarified early on in the handbook:
97.Inspection is primarily about evaluating how well individual pupils benefit from their school. It is important to test the school’s response to individual needs by observing how well it helps all pupils to make progress and fulfil their potential. Depending on the type of school it may be relevant to pay particular attention to the achievement of:
- disabled pupils, and those who have special educational needs
- those with protected characteristics,[15] as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- boys
- girls
- the highest and lowest attainers
- pupils for those for whom the pupil premium provides support including:
looked after children
pupils known to be eligible for free school meals
children of service families - those receiving alternative provision
In making their judgements, inspectors draw on the available evidence, use their professional knowledge and consider the guidance in this document and, in particular, the grade descriptors for each judgement
[15] Pupils with protected characteristics and other groups of pupils may include: pupils for whom English is an additional language; minority ethnic pupils; Gypsy Roma and Traveller children; lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils; transgender pupils; young carers, and; other vulnerable groups.
School inspection handbook Handbook for inspecting schools in England under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 (as amended) from September 2012 p 23
As yet no new additional guidance has been issued for inspectors in relation to the inspection of pupils learning EAL. Inspectors must continue to evaluate the provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development including respect for diversity and an appreciation of different cultures.
One change which has concerned colleagues is that parental surveys in languages other than English will no longer be available. Parents will be asked to provide their views through an English only online survey tool at OfSTED's Parent View or to communicate directly with the inspection team and ask for a meeting.
We look forward to hearing from members about their experiences under the new guidelines.
