Note about provenance. This guidance has been logged on to the web and sourced as 'from an Ofsted inspection provider'. It is helpful, therefore, but possibly not scriptural.

07 March 2005 3
GUIDANCE ON WHERE TO PITCH JUDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE OVERALL QUALITY OF A LESSON

The overall judgement will be a ‘best fit’ of the grade descriptions in the box, except in the case of an unsatisfactory lesson where particular conditions mean that the lesson cannot be satisfactory.

Outstanding (1)

The lesson is at least good in all or nearly all respects and is exemplary in significant elements, as shown by the exceptional enjoyment and progress of the learners.

Good (2)

Most learners make good progress because of the good teaching they receive. Behaviour overall is good and learners are keen to get on with their work in a secure and friendly environment in which they can thrive. The health and safety of the learners are not endangered. Teaching is well informed, confident, engaging and precise. The work is well matched to the full range of learners’ needs, so that most are suitably challenged. Teaching methods are effectively related to the lesson objectives and the needs of learners. Teaching assistants and resources are well deployed and good use is made of time. Assessment of learners’ work is regular and consistent and makes a good contribution to their progress.

Satisfactory (3)

The lesson is inadequate in no major respect, and may be good in some respects, as shown by the satisfactory enjoyment and progress of the learners.

Not adequate (4)

A lesson cannot be adequate if: - most learners, or a significant specific minority of learners, make less than satisfactory progress, whether this is due to unsatisfactory teaching or the impact of bad behaviour - learners’ overall behaviour or attitudes are unsatisfactory, and the tone of the lesson is inimical to the development of learners’ personal qualities - the health or safety of the learners is endangered - the teaching is unsatisfactory. This will usually cause the learners’ progress to be unsatisfactory, but occasionally progress will be satisfactory in spite of the teaching due to the good attitudes of the learners. Unsatisfactory teaching is likely to have one or more of the following: - weak knowledge of the curriculum leading to inaccurate teaching and low demands on pupils - work badly matched to the pupils’ starting points - ineffective classroom management of behaviour - methods which are poorly geared to the learning objectives or which fail to gain the interest and commitment of the learners - inadequate use of resources, including assistants and the time available - poor assessment.