Recommendations & Conclusions
25 items
5
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 to the previous exemption for outstanding schools, which stayed in place for too Ofsted’s work with schools 49 long. On balance, we recognise that there is a case to be made for a small reduction in the frequency of inspection in order to increase the value, length and depth of inspections.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's view on trading inspection frequency for depth but highlights legislative constraints and concerns about reduced standards with less frequent inspections. They state the "Big Listen" will gather diverse views to inform any future changes without committing to a specific change.
Read full response →
Department for Education
11
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
The short timeframe of inspections does not allow for in-depth engagement with different groups in the inspection process. While we do not believe that Ofsted should introduce feedback meetings with parents following an inspection, there is a case to be made for improving the ways in which the inspectorate engages …
Read more
The short timeframe of inspections does not allow for in-depth engagement with different groups in the inspection process. While we do not believe that Ofsted should introduce feedback meetings with parents following an inspection, there is a case to be made for improving the ways in which the inspectorate engages with different groups, as long as this does not give undue weight to small but vocal groups of parents or pupils. Better engagement outside the inspection process would also be highly valuable and would support Ofsted to better assess which schools are in most urgent need of inspection. We are also concerned at the reduction in focus on school governance in Ofsted reports.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the vital importance of engagement and already aims to talk to staff and governors, but defers further improvements and reporting methods to be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action planned after its conclusion.
Read full response →
Department for Education
12
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
Ofsted should explore ways in which it can improve its engagement with parents, pupils, governors, and trustees before and during the inspection process, ensuring that opportunities are well-communicated and that those with additional needs 50 Ofsted’s work with schools are supported to engage. Our previous recommendation to extend the notice …
Read more
Ofsted should explore ways in which it can improve its engagement with parents, pupils, governors, and trustees before and during the inspection process, ensuring that opportunities are well-communicated and that those with additional needs 50 Ofsted’s work with schools are supported to engage. Our previous recommendation to extend the notice period would also help to address this. In particular, they must ensure that inspectors are fully engaging with governors and trustees during an inspection, and that governance, including the quality and regularity of engagement with parents, is sufficiently covered in the final report.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of engagement and states it already aims to talk to staff and governors, but defers exploring further improvements and how to report them to the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action planned after its conclusion.
Read full response →
Department for Education
13
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
Ofsted should introduce regular surveys of parents, pupils and staff outside the inspection process and use this information as part of its risk assessment to identify schools most or least in need of inspection.
Government response AI summary
The government commits to reviewing its current risk assessment model, but defers the specific recommendation to introduce regular surveys of parents, pupils, and staff to be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation.
Read full response →
Department for Education
16
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
Ofsted must ensure that they are matching inspectors’ expertise with the appropriate phase and subject as much as possible, and ensure that their recruitment processes are targeting particular gaps in expertise. At a minimum, they must ensure that the lead inspector always has expertise in the relevant type of school …
Read more
Ofsted must ensure that they are matching inspectors’ expertise with the appropriate phase and subject as much as possible, and ensure that their recruitment processes are targeting particular gaps in expertise. At a minimum, they must ensure that the lead inspector always has expertise in the relevant type of school and, in larger teams, that a majority of members of the team have the relevant expertise.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states its ambition to match inspector expertise to the appropriate phase and subject wherever possible, acknowledging benefits and challenges, but defers further exploration and action to the 'Big Listen' consultation.
Read full response →
Department for Education
21
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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, and parents.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of inspection reports but states current reports are designed to be short due to funding priorities. They commit to discussing how to improve reports with parents and the sector through their 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to be taken after …
Read full response →
Department for Education
22
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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, which should be further explored to assess the benefits and disadvantages of different approaches. However, we recognise that the grades are closely linked to many Department policies and that any changes will require broader reform of the system. Any reforms must also be mindful of the use made by parents of Ofsted gradings in school choice.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that matters concerning inspection grades and broader reform fall to the Department for Education (DfE) rather than Ofsted, committing only to engage with the DfE on these issues.
Read full response →
Department for Education
23
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 has worked well beyond the English context.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that developing an alternative to single-word judgements is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
Read full response →
Department for Education
25
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 academy orders to schools with two consecutive judgements of ‘requires improvement’ has further exacerbated this problem. We are clear that there should be consequences for schools which are performing badly, but that this should be proportionate, and there must be suitable mechanisms available to support leaders.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that the issues of proportionate consequences of inspection and suitable support mechanisms for leaders are matters for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on them.
Read full response →
Department for Education
26
Recommendation
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
The Department should assess whether the decision to impose academy orders on schools that have received ‘requires improvement’ ratings on more than one occasion 52 Ofsted’s work with schools is proportionate. As a first step, it should ensure that Regional Directors are genuinely taking into account the views of local …
Read more
The Department should assess whether the decision to impose academy orders on schools that have received ‘requires improvement’ ratings on more than one occasion 52 Ofsted’s work with schools is proportionate. As a first step, it should ensure that Regional Directors are genuinely taking into account the views of local authorities, trusts, and other relevant bodies before taking a decision, and that this consultation process is clearly communicated to schools. The Department should publish guidance setting out the criteria by which Regional Directors come to these decisions.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that assessing the proportionality of academy orders and publishing related guidance for Regional Directors is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on these issues.
Read full response →
Department for Education
28
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 undertaken by multi-academy trusts. However, the evidence we have received suggests that there is a desire for greater support to help schools improve.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that providing support for schools to improve following a negative inspection judgement is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on this.
Read full response →
Department for Education
29
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
It is essential that there is proper scrutiny of the regional system of school improvement. We do not agree with the former Schools Minister’s view that it is sufficient to scrutinise Regional Directors solely through parliamentary scrutiny of ministers.
Read more
It is essential that there is proper scrutiny of the regional system of school improvement. We do not agree with the former Schools Minister’s view that it is sufficient to scrutinise Regional Directors solely through parliamentary scrutiny of ministers.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that improving the transparency and accountability of Regional Directors' work (related to scrutiny of the regional system) is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
Read full response →
Department for Education
30
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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. It must also ensure that support following a negative inspection judgement is provided as quickly as possible.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that conducting an audit of school support, developing a 'one-stop shop', and ensuring timely support after negative judgements are matters for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on these issues.
Read full response →
Department for Education
31
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
The Department must improve the transparency and accountability of the work of the Regional Directors. At a minimum, it should provide an annual report to Parliament setting out the scope, detail and impact of their work and make Regional Directors available to give evidence to the Committee.
Read more
The Department must improve the transparency and accountability of the work of the Regional Directors. At a minimum, it should provide an annual report to Parliament setting out the scope, detail and impact of their work and make Regional Directors available to give evidence to the Committee.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that this recommendation, concerning the transparency and accountability of Regional Directors, is a matter for the DfE, not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
Read full response →
Department for Education
32
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 not go far enough to address these concerns. In particular, there is tangible frustration that the role of the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) is limited to looking at how Ofsted has handled the complaint, rather than managing the complaint itself, which has not been addressed in the consultation. (Paragraph 108) Ofsted’s work with schools 53
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government highlights existing changes to the complaints process and states that the majority of related recommendations, including addressing concerns about the complaints process, will be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to follow its conclusion.
Read full response →
Department for Education
34
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 inspection judgements through scrutiny of the evidence base.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government refers to existing changes in the complaints process and states that the recommendation for an in-depth review and exploring an independent body will be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to follow its conclusion.
Read full response →
Department for Education
35
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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.
Government response AI summary
The government commits to transparency and ensuring schools understand the reasoning behind judgements, stating they will discuss how to improve this with the sector as part of the 'Big Listen' consultation rather than immediately allowing access to the evidence base.
Read full response →
Department for Education
37
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 is imposing a particular view of curriculum planning on schools.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government intends to publish findings from its evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as part of its response to the 'Big Listen', which will also gather further feedback from the sector and public on the framework and how context is considered.
Read full response →
Department for Education
38
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
There is also widespread concern that the new framework is less suitable for primary and special schools, particularly smaller schools, who are finding it more difficult to meet its requirements. We appreciate that any change to the framework causes additional work for schools, which should be minimised, but we think …
Read more
There is also widespread concern that the new framework is less suitable for primary and special schools, particularly smaller schools, who are finding it more difficult to meet its requirements. We appreciate that any change to the framework causes additional work for schools, which should be minimised, but we think there is a case for small adjustments to be made to resolve some of these issues.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government refers to its upcoming evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework, which will be published as part of the 'Big Listen' response, and commits to gathering further feedback on the framework, including how context is considered for different school types.
Read full response →
Department for Education
39
Recommendation
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 these schools. The inspectorate should clearly set out how it will 54 Ofsted’s work with schools take into account the context and capacity of individual schools when considering subject leadership. Ofsted should also consider whether sufficient time and emphasis is being placed on quality of teaching.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states its intention to publish the findings from its evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as part of its response to the 'Big Listen', which will also gather further feedback from the sector and public on the framework's implementation and impact.
Read full response →
Department for Education
42
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 Ofsted grades.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the concern about considering context, stating that Sir Martyn has committed to considering context more and will discuss improvements as part of the 'Big Listen' initiative.
Read full response →
Department for Education
43
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 for pupils in receipt of pupil premium should be a key measure on which schools are held accountable, and this should also be clearly set out in the narrative of reports, taking into account where this group is larger or smaller than the average.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that considering school context more in judgments is a priority for Sir Martyn, and they will discuss how to improve this as part of the 'Big Listen' initiative.
Read full response →
Department for Education
46
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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. In its routine inspections of schools, Ofsted should continue to inspect how well schools respond to serious safeguarding issues and how effectively children are protected in practice.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that this recommendation falls to the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and Ofsted will engage with the DfE on considering new approaches to inspecting safeguarding.
Read full response →
Department for Education
48
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 the interaction of trust and individual school inspections requires further consideration. However, now that MATs are the largest part of the school system, with a key responsibility for school improvement, a process for MAT inspection should be delivered as a matter of urgency.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees that MAT inspection is inevitable but redirects responsibility for developing the process to the DfE, stating that it falls under their remit. They also suggest considering a wider application of 'group inspection'.
Read full response →
Department for Education
49
Conclusion
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schoo…
Deferred
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 …
Read more
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 assessed on a consistent basis whether or not they are part of a MAT. (Paragraph 155) 56 Ofsted’s work with schools
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that the authorization for Ofsted to develop a MAT inspection framework falls to the DfE, not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on this matter while also suggesting a broader concept of 'group inspection'.
Read full response →
Department for Education