As I mentioned briefly in last week’s Heads Up, it was great to see so many of you at Stoneleigh Park for this term’s Headteachers’ Conference on 21 March; the breadth of engagement and attendance was fantastic and the best we’ve had in some time. Approximately 230 people registered to attend, with representatives on the day from a broad range of education settings from across the county; from early years, primary, secondary and special provision, and from maintained, academy and free schools.

I always say it’s relationships that get business done and, while the Warwickshire family of schools is in regular contact digitally, we shouldn’t underestimate the value of getting together and having a conversation face-to-face.

We were fortunate to be joined by HMCI Amanda Spielman who delivered a positive session answering your questions submitted in advance about the new inspection framework, with additional input from HMI James McNeillie and a headteacher’s perspective from Ian Dewes, Dunchurch Federation. We’re pleased to be able to share the videos of Amanda’s responses to your questions, as well as a link to the presentations and handouts from the morning, in this issue of Heads Up, which you can view here.

James McNeillie encouraged colleagues who haven’t yet responded to the Ofsted consultation to do so, there is still time before this closes on 5 April. A word of wisdom from James: savings could be made on training; everything you need to know about the new framework is on the Ofsted website.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with colleagues praising the range of areas covered and the quality of the presentations, and a general feeling that everyone left taking something away with them. 

Speaking of feedback, we have asked you all to contribute to shaping future editions of Heads Up. The survey is linked here and I would urge you to help us to further develop a product which is of most value to you.

We are looking forward to welcoming Ian Budd next week, who will be taking on the permanent role of Assistant Director for Education Services, joining us from Powys County Council, Wales. I will have a handover with Ian to ensure the smooth transfer of roles before I leave WCC on 26 April.

Best wishes,