Tag: Inspection

NAHT loses appeal against Ofsted judicial review refusal

~ Bruce Levitan ~ Leave a comment

This Schools Week article reports on the outcome of the NAHT appeal against Ofsted. The new Ofsted inspection regime is highly unpopular amongst educators - they report that the renewed framework is increasing the burden on senior staff. The new inspections, which began this month with volunteer schools, involve settings being judged with one of … Continue reading NAHT loses appeal against Ofsted judicial review refusal

Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

~ Bruce Levitan

Ofsted have concluded their "Big Listen" consultation, and on 3rd September they published their response - this covers children’s social care, special education needs and disabilities and alternative provision, early years, schools, further education and skills, teacher professional development and education. For schools, the changes they have announced are as follows: remove the overall effectiveness … Continue reading Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections

~ Bruce Levitan

At the National Association of Headteacher’s (NAHT) Annual conference on 4 May, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, announced changes to ungraded inspections. ‘Deep dives’ during ungraded inspections to stop from September. Move will affect 40% of all school inspections. The changes are designed to reduce the burden on school leaders and allow more time … Continue reading Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections

Ofsted’s work with schools – Education Committee Report

~ Bruce Levitan

The House of Commons Education Committee has published its report on Ofsted. Some of the report's conclusions are: School inspections are not currently carried out in sufficient length or depth to cover the full range of areas of a school’s work. The short notice period appears to be causing operational difficulties for many schools. There … Continue reading Ofsted’s work with schools – Education Committee Report

Ofsted School inspection handbook update

~ Bruce Levitan

Oftsed have recently released an updated school inspection handbook (effective from 19 January 2024) that takes into account their recent Prevention of Future Deaths report. The handbook is mainly unchanged - most of the changes are clarifications. In summary, these are as follows: Inspection can be paused under exceptional circumstances - headteachers can request a … Continue reading Ofsted School inspection handbook update

Ofsted responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report

~ Bruce Levitan ~ 1 Comment

Published today (19 January 2024) Ofsted has responded in full to a Prevention of Future Deaths report issued by HM Coroner ahead of school and further education inspections being notified next week. The response includes a new policy on pausing an inspection. A comprehensive listening exercise – the Big Listen (previously reported here) – will … Continue reading Ofsted responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report

Ofsted: mental health awareness training and The Big Listen

~ Bruce Levitan ~ 1 Comment

Ofsted inspections have been paused until later this month as the new Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, begins his term of office. This is in response to the Ruth Perry inquest. A Big Listen will take place later this year- it will provide an opportunity for parents and professionals to reflect on the strengths and … Continue reading Ofsted: mental health awareness training and The Big Listen

Beyond Ofsted

~ Bruce Levitan

Beyond Ofsted is a new inquiry established to develop a set of principles for underpinning a better school inspection system and proposals for an alternative approach. It is chaired by Jim Knight, Rt Hon Lord Knight of Weymouth (former schools’ minister), and its findings have been published in a report "Beyond Ofsted. an inquiry into … Continue reading Beyond Ofsted