Deepen your understanding of the current Ofsted framework and its approach to inclusion and Pupil Premium.
This half-day masterclass offers an exploration of how schools can understand, address, and overcome the educational disadvantages faced by pupils from socio-economic deprivation within the context of the current Ofsted framework.
Participants will begin by unpacking what "disadvantage" truly means - examining the many forms it takes, from socio-economic factors and Pupil Premium status to wider vulnerabilities that affect academic and social outcomes. The course also highlights the barriers faced by disadvantaged learners, including attendance, belonging and engagement, and progress and attainment, while clarifying Ofsted's expectations around inclusion so that leaders and staff feel confident aligning their practice with a whole-school culture of equity and fairness.
Building on these foundations, participants will explore practical strategies for developing an inclusive school culture and delivering high-quality teaching and learning. From leadership approaches and staff development to classroom pedagogy, the masterclass examines how schools can cultivate high expectations, foster a sense of belonging, and support every learner to thrive.
The course also focuses on the effective deployment of Pupil Premium funding and offers advice on writing an effective strategy.
Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable framework for implementing sustainable, evidence-based approaches that reduce barriers, close gaps, and empower disadvantaged pupils.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable you to:
Interpret the current Ofsted framework with a clear focus on disadvantage, inclusion, and Pupil Premium.
Define and contextualise "disadvantage" in relation to socio-economic factors, Pupil Premium eligibility, and other vulnerabilities affecting learners.
Evaluate whole-school strategies that build an inclusive culture and promote equity for all learners.
Identify effective classroom strategies — including scaffolding, adaptive teaching, and metacognition — that meaningfully support disadvantaged learners.
FACILITATOR
Matt Bromley is CEO of bee and Chair of the Building Equity in Education Campaign. He is an education journalist, author, and advisor with twenty five years’ experience in teaching and leadership including as a secondary school headteacher and academy principal, further education college vice principal, and multi-academy trust director.
Matt is a public speaker, trainer, initial teacher training lecturer, and school improvement advisor. He remains a practising teacher, currently working in secondary, FE and HE settings.
Matt writes for various education magazines including SecEd and Headteacher Update, and he is a columnist on The Yorkshire Post. He is the author of numerous best-selling books on education and he co-hosts an award-winning podcast.