OfSTED

Office of Standards in Education (OfSTED) is the official body for inspecting schools across England.

Secondary schools are inspected by OfSTED at least once every three years. The team of inspectors spends no longer than two days in the school gathering evidence, including observing lessons and speaking to teachers and pupils, to report on how well the school is performing. A school normally receives about two days' notice of its inspection.

"Inspection is at the heart of the government's drive for high quality public services and helps to ensure that the users and providers of public services have the information they need. We use our evidence to advise on approaches to caring for and supporting children and on the effectiveness of different types of educational provision. We also assess the progress of particular initiatives and government strategies." www.ofsted.gov.uk

As a teacher in England, you should expect to have your teaching and lessons observed on a regular basis from your immediate supervisor or other administration staff. These observations should be viewed as a positive way of helping you to develop as a teacher. Constructive criticism along with praise will enable you as a teacher to continue to refine and improve upon your teaching skills. Moreover, it will assist you in preparing for an OfSTED visit should this occur during your stay at the school.