Ofsted’s work with schools
Education Committee
Closed
Inquiry
The Education Committee has launched an inquiry into Ofsted’s work with schools. The inquiry aims to assess how well Ofsted is fulfilling its role in inspecting schools and whether and how it could be improved, to inform the work of the incoming His Majesty’s Chief Inspector. The inquiry will look …
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8
Recommendations
41
Conclusions
1
Report
3
Oral sessions
3
Events
Activity timeline 9 events
25 Apr
2024
2024
11 Mar
2024
2024
29 Jan
2024
2024
Report published
8 Nov
2023
2023
Oral evidence
8 Nov
2023
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
24 Oct
2023
2023
Oral evidence
24 Oct
2023
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
17 Oct
2023
2023
Oral evidence
17 Oct
2023
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
8 Nov 2023
View on parliament.uk
Ofsted's work with schools
Amanda Spielman · Ofsted
Juliet Chua · Department for Education
Rt Hon Nick Gibb · Department for Education
24 Oct 2023
View on parliament.uk
Ofsted’s work with schools
Carole Willis · National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
Dr Bernardita Munoz Chereau · UCL Centre for Educational Leadership
Dr Sam Sims · UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities
Natalie Perera · Education Policy Institute
Sir Michael Wilshaw, Former HMCI
The Rt Hon. the Lord Knight of Weymouth · Beyond Ofsted inquiry
17 Oct 2023
View on parliament.uk
Ofsted’s work with schools
Charlotte Rainer · Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
Daniel Kebede · National Education Union
Ian Hartwright · National Association of Head Teachers
Jason Elsom · Parentkind
Sam Henson · National Governance Association
Steve Rollett · Confederation of School Trusts
Tom Middlehurst · Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Report - Ofsted’s work with schools | HC 117 | 29 Jan 2024 | 49 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Ofsted’s work with …
Current short inspection notice period causes operational difficulties and increased stress for schools.
We have heard a range of views as to the appropriate notice period for inspections and accept that this is an issue that is difficult to fully resolve. While we do not believe that there should be a return to …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges that notice periods cause diverse views and operational difficulties, stating the "Big Listen" will reflect on current approaches and consider potential changes to find the right balance, with action to follow its conclusion.
Department for Education
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14
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Ofsted’s work with …
Ofsted inspectors' lack of phase-specific expertise hinders effective assessment and feedback.
We are concerned that the lack of relevant phase-specific expertise among inspectors appears to be a widespread problem, particularly in primary schools and in specialist education settings. A high-quality inspection regime must ensure that inspectors have sufficient expertise to be …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of matching inspector expertise to the phase of education inspected and expresses an ambition to improve this, including discussing the issue further through the 'Big Listen'.
Department for Education
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20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Ofsted’s work with …
Ofsted inspection reports are too short, formulaic, and lack useful information for schools.
There is widespread agreement amongst schools, governing bodies and other organisations that inspection reports are too short and formulaic and do not provide enough useful information, particularly for schools. Targeting the reports at a parent audience means that schools do …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of inspection reports and the trade-offs made due to funding, which leads to shorter reports focused on parents. It is keen to discuss report effectiveness with the sector through the 'Big Listen' consultation.
Department for Education
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40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Ofsted’s work with …
Inspection-related workload pressures on teachers and leaders remain despite Ofsted's 'myth-busting'.
It is clear that many teachers and school leaders are struggling with workload pressures in their roles, which are exacerbated by perceptions of what Ofsted expects to see in inspections. There are also concerns that the new framework has caused …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges workload pressures and states the 'Big Listen' will gather feedback on the impact of inspection. It commits to evaluating how leaders address staff wellbeing and workload, and continuing efforts to reduce burdens associated with the inspection process.
Department for Education
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