Strategic and resource management in primary schools: Evidence from OfSTED inspection reports

This paper reports an analysis of the extent to which practice, as recorded in the OfSTED reports for 120 primary schools, matched the criteria for rational management and development outlined in official guidance to schools. It shows that primary schools have been slower than the secondary sector to embrace the principles of strategic and long term development planning. Consideration of the basis for judgements made also shows that there is some inconsistency in the application of criteria by inspectors especially in matters of resource management. However, those schools which have good curriculum planning processes also seem to have good resource planning to match.