This newly published report from the Education Policy Institute looks at school accountability, over 30 years since the introduction of school performance tables for schools England. Key findings include: The current system was set up for a different era; Parents and carers are using accountability measures, but not necessarily getting the whole picture; Judging the … Continue reading Reforming Accountability – new report from the Education Policy Institute
Tag: Ofsted
Martyn Oliver speaks about Ofsted reform
Ofsted chief inspector Martyn Oliver spoke to education committee MPs on new report cards, safeguarding 'spot checks' and SEND worries amongst other things. You can read the transcript of the meeting on the Parliament website, here (where there is also am link to watch the recording of the meeting). Some of the points he made … Continue reading Martyn Oliver speaks about Ofsted reform
Legislation breaks down barriers to opportunity for all children
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced to Parliament on 17 December 2024, The Bill sets out seven key ambitions: Making a child-centred government Keeping families together and children safe Supporting children in the care system to thrive Cracking down on excessive profit making Driving high and rising standards for every child Removing barriers … Continue reading Legislation breaks down barriers to opportunity for all children
Ofsted annual report: education and social care serving most children well, but system pressures bite for most disadvantaged
Ofsted find that most children are well-served by the education sector and, in social care, life-changing work is being done for children and young people every day. However: Many reasons to be positive about future of education and children’s social care, but huge challenges remain. Education and care providers struggling to recruit and retain skilled … Continue reading Ofsted annual report: education and social care serving most children well, but system pressures bite for most disadvantaged
NGA: A guide to Ofsted inspection
NGA has updated it's guide to Ofsted inspection, and covers recent changes: the removal of single headline grades (schools will still receive grades for the four existing key judgement areas) – Ofsted is developing report cards to replace this in 2025 the removal of ‘deep dives’ from ungraded inspections a revised process for pausing and … Continue reading NGA: A guide to Ofsted inspection
Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen
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
Changes to ungraded inspections
Oftsed's changes to ungraded inspections in the autumn term are explained in this article on their website. They outline the process which can be summarised as: The day before the on-site inspection begins, they will hold an extended phone conversation aimed atb agreeing what they need to do during the on-site inspection; During the inspection, … Continue reading Changes to ungraded inspections
Bridget Phillipson webinar for school workers
In a recent webinar, the new Secretary of State for Education spoke about her commitment to work positively with the education sector, and was refreshingly open in admitming that she might make mistakes. This Schools Week article summarises her main talking points: Ofsted needs view of ‘wider range of services’ ‘High standards and curriculum breadth’ … Continue reading Bridget Phillipson webinar for school workers
NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024
The NGA has just published its latest (14th) School and Trust Annual Governance Survey. Highlight findings include: Funding Financial sustainability under threat Budget pressures intensify Falling pupil numbers Curriculum breadth at risk SEND funding crisis deepens Pupil, family and community needs SEND support demands surge Attendance is high priority Expanding school services Safeguarding issues growing … Continue reading NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024
The Alternative Big Listen
Ofsted's "Big Listen" initiative was reported her on 19 January 2024, and Prof Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE believeb that it does not consider changes that many believe are essential to improve the inspection process for schools and other education settings. THey have launched The Alternative Big Listen and you can take part by … Continue reading The Alternative Big Listen
Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections
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
Government responds to Ofsted criticism in RE row
The BBC reported that Ofsted had criticised Wolverhampton's RE - in a report to Wolverhampton SACRE, Oftsed had said that the city's religious education was not sufficient to prepare young people for adult life in such a diverse and multicultural community. The BBC then approached the DfE for a response, and reports that they stated … Continue reading Government responds to Ofsted criticism in RE row
Ofsted’s work with schools – Education Committee Report
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
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
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
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