First Report - Ofsted’s work with schools
Select Committee
Education Committee
HC 117
29 January 2024
Government response
Second Special Report - Ofsted’s work with schools: Ofsted response to the Committee’s First Report · published 11 Mar 2024
Recommendations & Conclusions
2 results
6
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 27
Reduce Ofsted inspection frequency for schools to enable greater depth and better risk assessment.
Conclusion
In the shorter term, the Department should work with Ofsted to enable the inspectorate to reduce the frequency of inspections to approximately five to six years for ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools and three to four years for schools judged ‘requires …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that inspection frequency is set by legislation, arguing that the current 5-year interval provides reassurance to parents and that less frequent inspections could reduce standards. While the "Big Listen" will explore these issues, they do not commit to the recommended reduction in inspection frequency.
Department for Education
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17
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 61
Commission independent assessment of factors affecting retention of experienced Ofsted HMIs.
Recommendation
We recognise the value and expertise that experienced inspectors can bring, particularly long-serving HMIs. Ofsted should commission an independent assessment of the factors affecting retention of experienced HMIs and take appropriate steps to address the issue.
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to commission an independent assessment, stating it already understands HMI retention factors and does not believe it would be a good use of public money, citing salary constraints and workload as known issues.
Department for Education
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