Teacher Training at the University of Northampton receives good Ofsted judgement

In Ofsted’s first University inspection of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) under their new two-part inspection framework, teacher training at the University of Northampton has been judged to be “Good”.

Ofsted concluded that the “University-based training is particularly strong” and that trainees are valued by employers. Furthermore, the overall support for trainees is strong and continues when they take up teaching posts in schools and colleges. “The quality of training is enhanced by the excellent resources at the University” and the teaching of phonics and mathematics was particularly praised: “The training is ensuring trainees are planning and teaching early reading increasingly well to secure better outcomes for pupils.” Ofsted also judged that trainees are prepared well to teach the early years and national curriculum and that excellent mentoring by school teachers was observed.

Professor Ann Shelton Mayes, Executive Dean of the School of Education said:”We are extremely pleased with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection which is a testament to the very effective collaboration across our Partnership of University and schools. Both University Tutors and School leaders and teachers support and teach our trainee teachers to be the best they can be, year after year, for the benefit of children and young people in the local regions and beyond. As a partnership, we can be justly proud of our achievements, not  just in terms of Ofsted but for the excellent work our trainee and qualified teachers do, as highly regarded members of the teaching profession. It is great to see recognition for our ‘Male Educators of Northamptonshire’ (M.E.N) programme as helping keep male trainees in the training.”

This judgement applies to five programmes – BA in Early years Education, BA in Primary Education, PGCE in Early Years, PGCE in Primary Education and PCET. During Stage One in June 2014, inspectors visited 11 schools and observed the reaching of 21 trainees representing all programmes. Discussions were also held with a further 26 trainees, either in schools or at the University. During Stage Two, 29 September – 1 October 2014, inspectors visited 10 schools and the teaching of 15 Newly Qualified Teachers was observed.