Education for Sustainable Development - a view from Ofsted.

Bryan Davies

14th June 2011

Raising standards, improving lives

• is a broad, wide ranging aspect of the school curriculum which should be fundamental to everything we do

• prepares young people for the future

• enables children to make value judgements

• includes technical issues and science

• has a pragmatic as well as a morally sound basis

Education for Sustainable Development

• Is fit for purpose • Flexible to meet future needs• Achieves positive social,

economic and environmental outcomes

• Incorporates environmental features and materials

• Is a tool to learn about sustainability issues

Sustainable School Building Environment

Inspection, Sustainable Development and Improvement

• Ofsted’s role is to raise standards and improve the lives of children, young people and adult learners.

• Sustainable development is about improving people’s lives whilst living ethically and within environmental limits.

• Inspection and sustainable development are both improvement processes, working towards the same end goal – improving lives.

We evaluate the contribution providers make to a sustainable future by :

• ensuring our frameworks take account of sustainable development

• providing guidance and training for inspectors

• encouraging providers to consider sustainable development in their own self evaluation /assessment.

Sustainable Development in inspection and regulation.

Ofsted Publications• Schools and sustainability: A climate

for change• Education for sustainable

development : Improving schools – improving lives (2009)

• Sustainable development - Briefing for section 5 inspectors (2010)

• To sustainability and beyond: inspecting and reporting sustainable development (2010)

• www.goodpractice.ofsted.gov.uk/index.php

2011

Environment Recycling Energy Eco team/Warrior School Grounds Growing/Vegetables Sustainable

Global Travel Plan

Community Healthy

Analysis of School Inspection Reports( unpublished)

Findings • Higher profile in Primary

schools• Many schools have

recycling initiatives• Eco Warriors and green

teams are a successful feature

• ECO and Green Flag awards

Pupils’ environmental awareness is good

Global learning and awareness is strong

Many schools have good community links

Many schools have themed weeks Pupil involvement is sometimes

superficial

Findings ( continued)

Emscote Infant School - Sustainability and the environment in the Curriculum 2011

Ten Top Tips Demonstrate commitment at Senior Management Level Clear mission statement - sustainability at the heart of

the school Walk the talk - demonstrate high social and ethical

values Involve staff, develop capacity - provide training and

support for staff Involve pupils - really ! Involve the local community Embed into curriculum and teaching and learning Think global Manage the school estate sustainably Ensure quality practices and self evaluation incorporate

sustainable development

How sustainable is your school?Curriculum

Is ESD a recognised aspect of the school ethos?What is the impact on pupils’ attitudes, values and behaviour?Are pupils getting involved, arguing from personal viewpoints and actions and making a positive difference ?Does the teaching promote knowledge and understanding of the environment, the community and the natural surroundings?Are teachers confident in handling controversial sustainable/ environmental issues?

How sustainable is your school - Leadership

How effective are leadership and management in raising the profile of ESD in the school and supporting developments? Is an ESD component identified in the strategic planning?To what extent is ESD seen as a priority towards the drive for school improvement?

How sustainable is the school estate?

School construction and renovation?School grounds improvement and design?Sustainable procurement ?Energy and resource management?Transport and travel?Waste management?Local produce sourcing and promotion of fair trade products? (School dinner and food provision)?

How is this reflected in your self evaluation?

What is the evidence?

How will you demonstrate this to inspectors?