Recommendation 26

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.