Ofsted inspection evidence access
Lack of school access to the evidence base used for Ofsted inspection judgements during complaint processes.
84 items
8 sources
1 inquiry
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#35 - Allow schools access to the evidence base for inspection judgements during complaints.
Ofsted must allow schools to gain access to the evidence base used to reach a judgement when making a complaint, making redactions to ensure that confidentiality and protection of the identity of individuals is maintained where this is necessary.
Matched on
terms: acces, evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
100match
#33 - Ofsted's complaints process lacks transparency and access to evidence for schools.
Schools have also told us that the complaints process is hampered by a lack of access to inspectors’ notes and documents that have been used to reach a conclusion. While we understand that there are considerations around confidentiality regarding these documents, schools cannot effectively challenge a judgement if they are unable to access the evidence base used to...
Matched on
terms: acces, evidence, ofsted
Committee recommendation
98match
#40 - 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 additional workload pressures for teachers, particularly subject leaders, and school leaders. Ofsted has taken steps to address this...
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
97match
#32 - Ofsted's complaints process is ineffective and lacks sufficient independent oversight.
We have received substantial evidence suggesting that Ofsted’s complaints process is not seen to be working and amounts to Ofsted “marking their own homework”. The changes announced in Ofsted’s consultation on the process are welcome, and we particularly welcome the introduction of a telephone number which schools can call to raise concerns during an inspection, but these do...
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
94match
#20 - 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 not always receive an in-depth assessment of their strengths and areas for improvement, and there is conflicting evidence...
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
89match
#28 - Insufficient and delayed support available for schools following negative inspection judgements.
We have heard that there is not enough support for schools to improve following a negative inspection judgement, and that the support available does not always arrive as quickly as is needed. We recognise that the role of school improvement no longer sits with Ofsted, and that much of this work is now commissioned by Regional Directors and...
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
88match
#34 - Conduct in-depth review of the complaints process to ensure independent challenge for schools.
The Department for Education and Ofsted should conduct an in-depth review of the complaints process to ensure that there is an efficient and independent process for schools to challenge the findings as well as the conduct of an inspection. In doing so, they should explore the option of setting up an independent body with the powers to investigate...
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
86match
#24 - Require Ofsted and DfE to publish full school inspection judgements on their websites.
As a first step, Ofsted and Department for Education websites should always show the full list of judgements, not just the overall judgement, and encourage schools to do the same on their websites and published materials.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
PFD report
85match
Oliver Weston
An OFSTED inspection of a children's home was deficient, failing to consider relevant safeguarding information and misinterpreting evidence. Lack of guidance for publishing reports in "exceptional circumstances" led to arbitrary decisions.
Matched on
terms: evidence, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
85match
#18 - Improve Ofsted's transparency by publishing comprehensive information and data wherever possible.
We have heard that access to training materials gives school leaders working as inspectors a disproportionate advantage over those who do not, and that Ofsted does not make enough data available to qualified researchers. While we accept that Ofsted publishes many other materials to support schools with inspections and that there are some restrictions in publishing personal data,...
Matched on
terms: acces, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
82match
#49 - Authorise Ofsted to urgently develop a framework for Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) inspections and capacity plan.
The Department must authorise Ofsted to develop a framework for the inspection of MATs as a matter of urgency and set out a plan for building the appropriate expertise and capacity in this area. Ofsted will need to be appropriately resourced to develop their expertise in this respect and should continue to ensure that all individual schools are...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
82match
#7 - Support Ofsted in making a case for additional Treasury funding for in-depth inspections.
In the longer term, the Department should support Ofsted in making a strong case to the Treasury for additional funding to carry out more in-depth inspections, without compromising on frequency or the principle that all schools are subject to periodic inspection. Funding for Ofsted should not be seen to be in competition with school funding, and any additional...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
82match
#6 - Reduce Ofsted inspection frequency for schools to enable greater depth and better risk assessment.
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 improvement’ or ‘inadequate’. This should be supported by better use of risk assessment to identify schools in most...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
81match
#37 - New Education Inspection Framework causes inconsistency and concerns about imposed curriculum views.
There is broad support for the move away from a data-driven approach to one that is more focused on curriculum in the new Education Inspection Framework. However, there appear to be problems with how this has worked in practice, in particular around the impact this has had on the consistency of inspection judgements, and some suggestions that Ofsted...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
81match
#27 - Review and strengthen support mechanisms for school leaders' wellbeing during and after inspections.
The Department and Ofsted should review the support mechanisms available to school leaders during and following an inspection and ensure that these are as strong as possible to support the wellbeing of school leaders. Ofsted must publish a clear policy, and train inspectors, on their approach to dealing with distress among school leaders during an inspection, and in...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
PFD report
77match
Ruth Perry
Ofsted's inspection system lacks transparency, negatively impacts school leader welfare, and has insufficient training for managing distress or clear channels for raising concerns. Local authority support also lacks formal policy.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
77match
#36 - Publish separate complaints data for each sector, including per inspection and upheld rates.
In its annual report and accounts, Ofsted should publish separate complaints data for each sector in their remit, including data on the number and percentage of complaints per inspection, whether these relate to conduct or judgements, and the percentage of complaints for each that have been upheld. The annual report should also set out what improvements Ofsted has...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
77match
#22 - Ofsted's single-word judgements are widely criticised for oversimplifying school performance.
Evidence from groups representing teachers, school leaders, parents and pupils was highly critical of Ofsted’s single-word overall judgements. There is much concern that they simplify the complex environment of a school and the many efforts of its leadership and staff into a single headline. We have heard many suggestions as to possible alternatives, including examples from other jurisdictions,...
Matched on
terms: evidence, ofsted
NAO recommendation
76match
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities in England
The Department should work with Ofsted to identify what more can be done to make inspections of mainstream schools, in particular short inspections, provide more assurance specifically about SEND provision that is easily accessible and clear to parents
Matched on
terms: acces, inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#48 - Urge Department to deliver a process for Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) inspection urgently.
We agree with the incoming HMCI that it is “inevitable” that MATs will be inspected, and we are frustrated that repeated calls for trust inspections from this Committee, its predecessors and others have not yet been acted upon by the Department. We recognise that Ofsted will need to develop their expertise and capacity in this area, and that...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#46 - Require the Department to consult on increasing safeguarding inspection regularity via compliance audits.
The Department should consult on the best approach to increasing the regularity of safeguarding inspections through a less intensive compliance audit. In doing so, Ofsted’s work with schools 55 it should look at whether this should be done by local authorities or by a separate, independent body, and make the case for the appropriate resource to be provided....
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#42 - Ofsted fails to adequately consider challenges for schools with disadvantaged and SEND pupils.
We were concerned by the suggestion that Ofsted does not sufficiently take into account the challenges faced by schools with high numbers of disadvantaged pupils or those with SEND. We appreciate that the 2019 inspection framework aimed to improve the situation by moving away from outcome data, but there still remains a clear link between disadvantage and negative...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#41 - Undertake research to understand and reduce inspection-related workload pressures on school staff.
The Department and Ofsted must go further than simply ‘myth-busting’: they must undertake a programme of research to fully understand the causes of inspection- related workload pressure and assess what changes would be genuinely helpful in reducing this. The new HMCI should prioritise work in this area as part of his “Big Listen” with the sector.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#39 - Publish evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework, adapting for primary, special, and small schools.
Ofsted must publish their planned evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as soon as possible. In this evaluation, Ofsted should review the implementation of the new framework, in particular looking at the impact it has had on primary schools, special schools and small schools, and consider ways in which it could be adapted to be more supportive of...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#9 - Consider increasing school inspection notice period to approximately five working days.
Ofsted should consider the case for a small increase in the notice period given to schools—we heard suggestions that around five working days would be appropriate. The notice period should remain relatively short in order to limit the pressure on leaders and avoid a situation where schools are spending a long time preparing for inspection, but should be...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#5 - Current inspection length inadequate, prompting case for reduced frequency to increase depth.
There is broad agreement that inspections are not currently long enough to cover the full framework and give an accurate picture of a school’s performance. We accept that, in a context of finite funding, any increase to the length of inspections would require a decrease in their frequency. We are clear that we do not wish to return...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
73match
#18 - Change Ofsted's PSHE evaluation to thematic reviews, not just personal development metrics.
Ofsted must change the way in which PSHE is evaluated during inspection. Instead of being assessed through Ofsted’s personal development metric, PSHE should be assessed through thematic reviews in the same way as other core curriculum subjects. (Paragraph 83) Online Safety Act 2023
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
69match
#4 - Require Ofsted to urgently address seven concerns from Ruth Perry's coroner's report and report progress.
The serious nature of a Prevention of Future Deaths report will not be lost on the new HMCI. We expect him to make every effort to address the coroner’s report fully. Ofsted should review the seven areas of concern set out in the coroner’s report following the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry and put in place...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
69match
#21 - Increase length and depth of analysis in inspection reports for parents and schools.
As part of our recommended increase to the length and depth of inspections, we also recommend that Ofsted increase the length and depth of analysis provided in inspection reports to ensure that they are genuinely useful in providing parents and schools with the information they need. This should be developed in consultation with representatives of schools, governing bodies,...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
68match
#11 - Fifth Report - Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
Ofsted should, as part of its inspection criteria, gather data and report on levels of subject take-up and attainment among pupils with different characteristics, such as gender, ethnic background and socio-economic background. The latter could utilise Free School Meals eligibility, which is already used in Government education data. Where there are disparities, schools should record and be assessed...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
68match
#19 - Publish more data for researchers and all inspector training materials for transparency.
Ofsted must ensure that it is publishing as much information as possible to maximise the transparency of its work. In particular, it must make more data available to key educational research organisations to allow for high-quality research to be conducted. Ofsted must also publish the training materials which are available to their inspectors, with appropriate caveats where necessary...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
LGO / SPSO decision
68match
25-016-332 - Oxfordshire County Council
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s involvement in a school’s Ofsted inspection. This is because the law prevents us from investigation what happens in schools.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
65match
#47 - Review Ofsted's 'inadequate' safeguarding judgement policy, preventing academy orders for minor issues.
In the interim, Ofsted should review its policy on ‘inadequate’ judgements due to ineffective safeguarding and ensure that schools are only being judged ‘inadequate’ in cases where they are fundamentally failing to keep children safe. In cases where the problems are uncomplicated and can be resolved within a short space of time, the Department should not issue an...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
65match
#43 - Ensure Ofsted inspectors fully account for school context, disadvantaged pupils, and SEND in judgements.
Ofsted must ensure that inspectors are fully taking a school’s size and context into account in reports and judgements, in particular the numbers of pupils from disadvantaged groups and those with SEND, and other relevant factors such as recruitment and retention challenges. It must ensure that these factors are clearly described and visible in the final report. Progress...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
65match
#25 - High-stakes inspection system causes significant stress and job insecurity for school leaders.
The ‘high-stakes’ nature of the current system is clearly causing a significant amount of stress and worry for school leaders. In particular, there is an overwhelming fear among headteachers that they risk losing their job following a less than ‘good’ judgement, and the Department’s guidance is unclear as to whether this is routinely the case. The extension of...
Matched on
terms: inspection
Committee recommendation
65match
#7 - 4th Report - Game On: Community and school sport
There is a lack of transparency and accountability around current funding arrangements for PE and school sport. While the PE and Sport Premium has provided valuable, ring‑fenced support for primary schools, inconsistent assessment, limited benchmarking and weak scrutiny by Ofsted mean that funding is not always used effectively or as intended. The fact that the Government could not...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
64match
#22 - Third Report - Strengthening Home Education
The Department must assign Ofsted a role in quality assuring the delivery of local authority support for EHE and adherence to EHE guidance. This will require the creation of an inspection framework, based on the clarified guidance for local authorities and EHE families that we also expect the Department to produce.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
64match
#45 - Schools should not be judged inadequate for minor safeguarding administrative errors.
The inquest into the death of Ruth Perry also raised concerns about the policy of judging a school ‘inadequate’ solely due to safeguarding. We accept that this only applies to a small number of schools and that Ofsted has taken some steps towards mitigating this issue through quicker re-inspections. Conducting more regular safeguarding audits should also help to...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
PFD report
61match
Ann Maguire
There is inconsistent management of weapon risks in schools; OFSTED should make it mandatory for inspectors to review and report on how schools prevent weapons from being brought onto premises.
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
61match
#44 - Ofsted maintains essential role in ensuring schools address serious safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding is an essential aspect of every school’s work. We agree that there is merit in schools being audited more regularly for compliance with safeguarding procedures, especially as we are recommending that some schools be inspected less frequently than is currently the case. However, we still see a role for Ofsted in ensuring that schools are identifying and...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
61match
#8 - 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 the much longer notice periods of the past, the current notice period appears to be causing operational difficulties...
Matched on
terms: inspection
Committee recommendation
61match
#3 - Ensure HMCI listens to diverse sector views and Ofsted reflects on necessary improvements.
In his “Big Listen” with the sector, the new HMCI must ensure that he is listening to a wide range of views, including those of teachers, school and trust leaders, governors, parents, and pupils. In doing this, he must ensure that Ofsted is genuinely open to engage and willing to reflect on where it needs to improve.
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
60match
#20 - First report - Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education to...
We recommend that prisons have clear and meaningful KPIs related to education, training and employment which are monitored by Ofsted. The Ministry of Justice must also reform the inspection regime so that Ofsted is able to give a grade for the education provider within the prison. We recommend that Ofsted is given the legal tools to allow it...
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
60match
#10 - Fifth Report - Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
The Government should tell us whether it has consulted with Ofsted on levels of uptake and attainment among different groups of children, and whether it has discussed an expansion of its inspection criteria to include a more comprehensive picture of subject take-up and attainment across different disciplines and characteristics.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
60match
#9 - Fifth Report - Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
We welcome Ofsted’s recent report examining science education in primary and secondary schools. However, some contributors to our inquiry suggested that given the importance of inspection, it could do more to encourage diversity and inclusion in STEM education.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Inquiry recommendation
60match
MACP-69 - Require OFSTED inspections to examine school anti-racism strategy implementation
That OFSTED inspections include examination of the implementation of such strategies.
Matched on
terms: inspection, ofsted
Committee recommendation
57match
#8 - 4th Report - Game On: Community and school sport
We recommend that the Government strengthen accountability for the PE and Sport Premium by introducing clearer national reporting requirements, consistent benchmarking and more robust scrutiny through Ofsted. As a first step, we invite the Government to set out, in its response to our report, a detailed breakdown of all funding it is allocating for school sport, including information...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
56match
#13 - Second Report - Educational poverty: how children in residential care have been let down and what...
The Department must take greater responsibility for policing the school admissions system to ensure it is working in the interests of looked-after children. There must be a clear sanctions mechanism in place for schools who consistently refuse or delay admissions of looked-after children. The lever for this accountability should be the impact on the school’s Ofsted judgement. Where...
Matched on
terms: ofsted
Committee recommendation
56match
#30 - Conduct a full audit of school improvement support and expedite provision post-judgement.
The Department must conduct a full audit of the support available to schools to help them improve, reviewing whether the amount of support is sufficient and what more is needed. In the interim, the Department should ensure that all schools and trusts are aware of the support on offer and develop a ‘one-stop shop’ to signpost relevant support....
Matched on
terms: inspection
Committee recommendation
56match
#23 - Develop an alternative to single-word overall judgements for complex school performance assessments.
The Department and Ofsted should work together as a priority to develop an alternative to the current single-word overall judgement that better captures the complex nature of a school’s performance, and ensure that these changes interact effectively with Department policies. In doing so, they should look at other jurisdictions both within and outside the UK, to assess what...
Matched on
terms: ofsted