Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Deferred
Paragraph: 26
Current inspection length inadequate, prompting case for reduced frequency to increase depth.
Conclusion
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.
Government Response 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.
Paragraph Reference:
26
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
One area where we expect we will hear a diversity of views is on the frequency and length of inspections. This reflects the balance we need to strike between holding schools to account and reducing pressures on leaders and staff (this relates to Recommendation 3). Theoretically, we could trade off depth and frequency of inspection, inspecting schools in greater depth, if we were permitted to reduce the frequency of inspection (as outlined in Recommendation 3). However, our timeframe for inspection is set out in legislation. And we believe the current 5-year interval between inspections gives parents and carers reassurance that an inspection will take place at least once during their child’s time at a school. We are keen to hear from all the professionals we work with, and the parents, carers and children that we work for, in the Big Listen. The range of views we expect to hear through the Big Listen will help to inform any future changes. But if and when we make any changes, we will also consider, first and foremost, their impact on the quality of education that pupils receive. As we set out to the Committee, there is clear evidence that not inspecting schools for extended periods leads to a reduction in standards.