Ofsted urges schools to focus on training

Its latest report Good professional development in schools says that schools are often too slow to take up places on courses for staff.

Also many continue to be too focused on continued training surrounding maths and english but not other subjects. This was particularly the case in primary schools. Despite this issue being highlighted already by Ofsted four years ago, little has been done by schools to address lack of training in a range of subjects.

Schools evaluation of training is also weak. They are not monitoring the ongoing training needs of staff and have little concept of whether training that is carried out is offering value for money for the school.

The report offers schools with poor training some examples of good practice from 38 nurseries and schools. All those in the report have received good or outstanding grades from Ofsted for their professional development.

The best schools ensure that training is closely linked with general school improvement plans, the report found.

Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: "Professional development is most effective in schools that understand and realise its potential for raising standards. The most successful schools plan for ongoing improvements, then monitor and evaluate their progress so that they can tackle any weaknesses."