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Ipswich MP backs Ofsted reforms

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MP for Ipswich and former teaching assistant Jack Abbott has welcomed the government's reform of Ofsted inspections.

The big picture: The government has scrapped one-word Ofsted ratings for schools with immediate effect, replacing them with a more detailed report card system that will come into effect by 2025.

Why it matters: The new system aims to provide parents with clearer information about local school performance, helping them make informed decisions about their children's education while creating a fairer system for schools and teachers.

Key details:

  • Schools will receive report cards instead of one-word Ofsted judgements

  • Targeted support will be provided to Suffolk schools through new Regional Improvement Teams

What they're saying: Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, said:

"Single headline grades are low information for parents and high stakes for schools. Parents deserve a much clearer, much broader picture of how schools are performing – that’s what our report cards will provide."

Jack Abbott, Ipswich MP and a former teaching assistant at a local high school sees benefits for Ipswich's education system, stating:

"This is really welcome news ahead of the new school year. These reforms are good for teachers, good for parents, and good for children, as our new Labour government looks to better support schools and improve educational outcomes for children in Ipswich, Suffolk and across the country."

What's next: Schools and parents can expect the new rating system to be implemented by 2025, with support from Regional Improvement Teams beginning early that year.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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