The University of East Anglia (UEA) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnership has received a ‘good’ rating across the board, following an Ofsted inspection of its primary and secondary teacher training programmes.
All aspects of the ITE programme were rigorously inspected and included visits or communication with 42 of the 231 schools currently working collaboratively with UEA to train teachers.
The report commended the “strong regional links”, “purposeful partnerships” and how trainees on both programmes “learn to teach well in their phase or subject in schools within differing contexts”, becoming “well-informed reflective practitioners”.
Director of Initial Teacher Education, Deirdre Medler, said: “The report is a testament to the collaborative vision and dedication of our UEA teacher training team and the many teachers and educational leaders across our region who contribute their expertise to the programme.
“We are thrilled that Ofsted has recognised our partnership’s commitment to developing expert, resilient and reflective teachers able to contribute significantly to local and national educational priorities.”
The outcome and comments from the inspection team confirm the positive impact of the unique and transformative approach to teacher training adopted in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at UEA.
Stressing the quality of “course content and delivery based on up-to-date, evidence-based research”, the report makes multiple references to the strength of a curriculum “rooted in relevant research, some drawn from the university’s school of education and life-long learning “and to the expert knowledge and skills of the course tutors and leaders.”
As Head of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Professor Yann Lebeau responded to the report’s findings. “The School is delighted to see its commitment to marrying the latest educational research with a practice-based development of teaching skills and professionalism, recognised by OFSTED as ensuring that “trainees are learning the most pertinent information to teach using highly effective approaches”
Messages of support following the publication of the report, from across the partnership, highlight the contribution UEA’s teacher training programme makes to the region.
Tom Rolfe, Principal, Hellesdon High School, and member of UEA Secondary PGCE Partnership Management Committee, said: “As a key strategic partner with the UEA, we are delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted report. Our school is so proud to have a third of our teaching staff trained through the UEA. We look forward to continuing our partnership together ensuring the quality of teachers entering the profession across Norfolk remains as high as possible.”
Dr Roger Harris, Headteacher, Taverham High School, said: “It is clear from the Ofsted report that UEA works closely with all stakeholders to ensure the course is tailored to those new to teaching, this is reflected not only in the report but in the success UEA has in creating excellent teachers for the future.”
Jonathan Taylor, CEO, Sapientia Trust, said: “One of the greatest challenges in education is to ensure the very best teachers enter our profession. As a key strategic partner, Sapientia Education Trust is delighted this Ofsted report underlines the UEAs strength in developing our future teachers. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship moving forward to give the very best opportunities to pupils across our region.”
Beyond its teacher training programmes, UEA maintains its commitment to teacher development on a continuum. This is reflected through its educational research, delivery of the Early Career Framework, continuing professional development opportunities and the range of Master’s and Doctoral programmes within the School of Education and Lifelong Learning.
