Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 46
Short inspection timeframes limit stakeholder engagement and reduce focus on school governance.
Conclusion
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.
Government Response 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.
Paragraph Reference:
46
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Maximising the engagement of parents and pupils is vital to inspection and so forms a key part of the Big Listen, in line with Recommendation 7 (in the Committee's report). As we set out in our evidence to the Committee, we already aim to talk to as many school staff and governors/trustees as possible during an inspection. However, we will be happy to hear whether and how we can improve this, including how we report it, through the Big Listen. The majority of recommendations will be explored through our ‘Big Listen’ (Recommendations 1, 3, 5 to 8, 10, 13, 20 to 22 and 24 to 25). We look forward to hearing the sector’s, and the public’s, views on these important matters, and will take action immediately after the Big Listen concludes.