On 29 September 2020, Ofsted conducted a visit to Comberton Village College, led by Her Majesty’s Inspector, Stefanie Lipinski-Barltrop. This visit was part of Ofsted's initiative to assess how schools are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities, such as classroom observations or reviewing students' work. Instead, it focused on discussions with the senior leadership team and the designated safeguarding leader.
The context of the visit was significant, as schools were expected to fully reopen to all students by September 2020 after a prolonged period of closure due to the pandemic. Ofsted's aim was to gather insights from a diverse range of schools to inform national reporting and share findings with the government and the education sector. During the visit, it was noted that Comberton Village College had opened its doors to all students on 10 September 2020, following a phased return in the first week of term. The school had implemented short-term, part-time programs for a few students requiring additional support to transition back to full-time education.
The leadership team reported that student attendance was currently lower than in the same period the previous year, attributing this primarily to concerns related to COVID-19. The school was actively communicating with families to reassure them about the safety measures in place. The full curriculum was being offered to students in key stages three and four, as well as in the sixth form. However, the leadership acknowledged that access to practical activities was limited due to safety protocols, particularly in subjects like music, drama, and science. Subject teams were reviewing strategies to address these limitations and ensure safe participation in enrichment activities.
Inspectors noted that subject teams were conducting assessments to identify gaps in students' learning across key stages, including the sixth form. This initiative aimed to understand students' new starting points and provide tailored support to help them catch up. The leadership expressed a commitment to offering a flexible home learning program if necessary, designed to adapt to the changing needs of students. This program would utilize the same lesson plans and resources that students would experience in school.
Overall, the visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school's response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The leadership's proactive approach to communication, curriculum delivery, and support for students was evident. The insights gathered during this visit will contribute to Ofsted's broader understanding of how schools are navigating the complexities of returning to full education in the wake of COVID-19. The findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders to inform future educational policies and practices. The letter summarizing the visit will be published on the Ofsted website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents and the wider community.
