The Writing Subject Leader Conversation Pack (2026/27) is for a 20-minute conversation between a headteacher and their writing leader about what pupils experience. 2026/27 edition, checked against Ofsted's school inspection materials for inspections from 7 September 2026.
Ofsted's operating guide has no list of writing-specific inspection activities like the one for reading. Writing is seen through learning walks, pupils' work, conversations with pupils and discussion with leaders. This pack helps your writing leader explain how writing is taught and which pupils need more, using the books and assessments you already have.
What's inside
- Practical checks on handwriting, spelling after phonics, editing and independent writing
- Six conversation prompts, each with what the leader might point to
- Inclusion in writing: questions on pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils, pupils who missed school and pupils new to English
- An optional "pupils you can talk about" sheet (a HeadteacherChat exercise, not an Ofsted requirement)
- A 20-minute conversation plan and three things to do before half-term
Editable Word document, 5 pages, landscape. Not produced or endorsed by Ofsted.
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