IoE teacher training ‘transforming lives through education’

Colleagues in our Institute of Education (IoE) have been praised for their effective training of the next generation of teachers by schools watchdog Ofsted.

Following a visit by inspectors last month, Ofsted’s report on the IoE has now been published.

It highlights that ‘‘transforming lives through education runs as a golden thread through all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes at the University of Reading’, exemplifying the hard work, dedication and innovation of Institute members and everyone involved in the programmes.

Leaders at the Institute of Education have expressed their pride at the report, but have decided they will not focus on the one-word judgement given by Ofsted.

This is due to the IoE’s support for a campaign to change the way Ofsted reviews schools because of the negative impacts the judgments can have on teachers and teacher educators.

Calls for reform have increased since the suicide of Ruth Perry in January 2023, the headteacher of Caversham Primary School – one of the IoE partner schools. 

Dr Catherine Foley, Co-Head of Initial Teacher Education at the Institute of Education, said: “Will we be using content from the reports on our website? Yes. Colleagues worked hard, with skill and integrity over many years, to shape the programmes we have today, and their success deserves to be recognised.

“But you won't find the one-word judgement in our email signatures, banners, or marketing materials. It's time to stand alongside all those campaigning for change – Ofsted must reform.”

You can read the full IoE Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.

Catherine has also written a blog reflecting on the Ofsted inspection process and the IoE’s recent experience.