Ofsted has finally published findings from surveys about it’s new inspection approach. A summary report, available here, shows that:
- The majority of respondents were were positive about their inspection experience;
- Less than half (47%) of secondary schools agreed that their inspection was tailored to their context;
- Less than half (45%) of schools say that the actions taken had reduced stress and anxiety a fair amount;
- 31% of schools say that the workload is more manageable than before;
- At the final feedback meeting, 40% reported feeling calmer;
- Only 11% of schools felt that their mental health had not been negatively impacted;
An article by the Education Policy Institute is highly critical of the new Ofsted regime, concluding:
What a missed opportunity. An approach that had so much promise has instead left the sector frustrated and parents no better informed.
They further noted that “the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) – usually considered the most moderate of the education unions – took the highly unusual step of passing a motion of no confidence in Ofsted’s leadership”.
The article lists four steps that they recommend the government take to rectify the situation.