How to Write an Effective SEF - SfE

How to Write an Effective SEF
What to Write – Ofsted Guidance
The SEF includes some introductory guidance by Ofsted. Ensure you read this first
and the accompanying section guidance given before writing. It lists the three
sections you need to complete, when to do so, who it is for and provides a brief
account of how to fill in the form.
Other General Points to Note
• Acronyms should only be used once they have been explained, as they may
not be readily understood by others.
• Referencing to pertinent evidence sources/documents is always difficult to
achieve when trying to produce a concise evaluation. One way which can
work well is to list at the beginning or end of each section (or indeed at the
beginning of the SEF), the evidence sources, code them and apply the code at
the relevant positions throughout the sections.
Eg Attainment on entry analysis document (AOEA)
• Whilst it is helpful to use the SEF as a notebook, ie putting bullet pointed two
and three word phrases in each section as a starting point, be sure that it does
not stop here.
• Beware of raising new points in a long section, if they would more naturally fit
in other sections. Cross referencing is the answer.
• Ensure that comments made are evaluative.
• Where good and outstanding judgements are made, ensure they are backed
up with clear evidence that such a provision impacts in a good or outstanding
way on the students’ achievement.
• Tell the truth, don’t try and cover up, within reason. It soon becomes apparent
when comparing the PandA and the SEF where the problems are likely to be.
• Check contents against headings, to ensure comments are in the correct
section.
• Avoid implying or ‘crystal ball gazing’. Give only substantiated facts rather than
what might happen.
• Where possible, when using the term ‘outstanding’, try and give impartial
evidence sources which have evaluated the provision as such. An outstanding
claim will usually ensure closer scrutiny of this feature by Ofsted.
• Try not to run out of steam by section 5, as sections 5 to 7 are very important
yet are often the least well covered. Sections 1 and 2 are often too elaborate
at the expense of the latter ones.
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