Ofsted Inspections are Changing
Ofsted has announced changes to how school inspections are carried out to reduce pressures on teachers and school leaders
Why have these reforms been announced?
According to The Education Hub blog: "These reforms aim to reduce stress for teachers and school leaders around inspection time, while making sure school inspections are rigorous and accurate."
The DfE objective is to instill confidence among all school leaders in the inspection system and to make it as beneficial as possible for teachers, parents, and children alike. Through these reforms, they aim to make a tangible impact and ensure that Ofsted remains a trusted and impartial source of information, valued by teachers and leaders.
What has Changed?
1. A consultation on the complaints process:
The introduction of a formal consultation by Ofsted is set to revamp the complaints system, focusing on enhancing communication and transparency to swiftly address school-related grievances. The proposed changes aim to alleviate the administrative burden on complainants, making the process more streamlined and efficient.
2. Changes to how Ofsted inspects safeguarding:
Presently, when schools receive a predominantly "Good" rating but are assessed as "Inadequate" in safeguarding, their overall rating is lowered to "Inadequate." This is because the safety of children is of utmost importance.
However, in exceptionally rare instances where a school's failure is solely attributed to safeguarding issues, Ofsted will now conduct a follow-up monitoring visit within three months. This visit will offer an opportunity for potential reevaluation. If the school has effectively addressed the safeguarding concerns, it is likely to witness an improvement in its overall rating.
Furthermore, Ofsted aims to provide schools and parents with clear and concise guidelines regarding safeguarding requirements.
3. Clarity around confidentiality policies:
In order to alleviate the burden on headteachers, Ofsted will establish transparent guidelines affirming their ability to privately share provisional inspection outcomes with colleagues and seek their assistance before the report is officially finalized and disclosed to parents.
Additionally, Ofsted reports will emphasize the necessary actions for school improvement, aiming to shift public attention away from individuals, including headteachers.
4. Support for schools between inspections.
Ofsted is enhancing the information provided to schools regarding the timing of their next inspection. While schools will still receive a one-day notice, they will now have a clearer indication of the likely year in which the inspection will take place. This change will be particularly beneficial for schools that have been exempt from inspection for an extended period.
In the case of outstanding schools, which are inspected less frequently than those with lower ratings, those that underwent their last inspection prior to September 2015 are already receiving face-to-face seminars. These seminars aim to provide support to outstanding schools in preparation for their upcoming inspections.
When will these changes take place?
Several changes, including enhanced clarity regarding the timing of the next inspection and the provision of seminars for schools between inspections, are already being implemented or will take effect immediately. The remaining changes will be introduced starting from September 2023.
What other support is the DfE providing for teachers?
In the DfE's ongoing efforts to enhance the mental health of teachers, they are extending their commitment to the Education Wellbeing Charter. To achieve this, they are allocating additional funding to expand the range of wellbeing support available to school leaders. As part of this initiative, the provision of professional supervision and counseling will be doubled for the current year. This expansion will enable hundreds more school leaders to access the necessary support they require.
Ofsted ratings hold significant significance in ensuring the quality of education and the safety of children in schools. However, the DfE recognize that some teachers and school leaders desire certain changes to the inspection process.
Is Ofsted changing the one-word rating system?
No. THe government have said that they firmly believe that one-word ratings provide parents with the most transparent and concise means of gaining confidence in selecting the appropriate school for their child.
Moreover, comprehensive information regarding Ofsted inspections is readily available to all individuals through Ofsted's website. Parents can conveniently access specific school's Ofsted reports, which provide in-depth details alongside the overall rating, ensuring they have access to all the necessary information.