Ofsted report – Teach First’s outstanding ITT provision

The report graded our provision as outstanding in all areas, across both primary and secondary phases. Inspectors found that:

• Trainees choose Teach First because they aspire to be skilled and responsive teachers who can make a difference to the education and lives of all children, particularly those who are disadvantaged. They buy into the academically rigorous and demanding programme knowing that they will be well supported by leaders and staff. The vast majority of trainees speak highly of the professional and pastoral support they receive, with many continuing as ‘future ambassadors’ of Teach First.
• Trainees benefit from highly ambitious initial teacher education (ITE) programmes in the primary and secondary age-phases. Right from the start, their training is characterised by sharply focused and skilfully delivered centre-based training. Trainees are introduced to the wide body of pertinent knowledge and subject expertise that they need in order to be a teacher.
• Trainees are well supported to gain a deep understanding of how pupils learn. They are expertly introduced to teaching practices that promote this. Trainees are skilfully taught how to understand pupils’ specific needs, such as those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language, and to adapt their teaching accordingly.
• A range of recognised behavioural management practices are taught, so that trainees can adapt the various approaches that they may encounter across different settings, agephases and/or subjects in a confident and competent way.
• Specialist input to prepare trainees for their role in promoting and ensuring pupils’ safety and welfare is timely and effective. Trainees understand their safeguarding responsibilities and gain a comprehensive insight into the signs and impact of different risks to pupils' safety.