Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 109
Ofsted's complaints process lacks transparency and access to evidence for schools.
Conclusion
Schools have also told us that the complaints process is hampered by a lack of access to inspectors’ notes and documents that have been used to reach a conclusion. While we understand that there are considerations around confidentiality regarding these documents, schools cannot effectively challenge a judgement if they are unable to access the evidence base used to support this judgement. There is also limited data available as to the proportion of complaints upheld relating to schools and how this has changed over time. This has contributed to a perceived lack of transparency and willingness from Ofsted to listen to and respond to criticism.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to providing percentages of complaints per inspection remit from 2024-25 and separating information about the proportion of inspections upheld by remit. It also states that improving transparency and understanding of judgements will be discussed with the sector as part of the 'Big Listen'.
Paragraph Reference:
109
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
A transparent inspection process is one where both the school and the inspection team can see how the evidence gathered connects clearly to the inspection outcome. Inspections must be – and be seen to be – fair. We are committed to making sure schools understand the reasoning behind our judgements and want to discuss with the sector how we can improve the way we do this (in line with Recommendation 21). As an inspectorate that is committed to working with the sectors we inspect, it is really important to us that schools are able to raise complaints when they have concerns. It is also important that we are transparent about this. We publish, in our annual report and accounts, the number of complaints we receive for each of the sectors we inspect. This includes how many complaints were upheld overall and what action was taken where this was the case. This work has begun in advance of Recommendation 22. We are committed to providing percentages of complaints per inspection remit from 2024–25 (in the 2022– 23 financial year, this was around 7% for schools), and to separating information about the proportion of inspections upheld by remit. We continue to receive more complaints from providers that have received the lowest grades. In over half of the complaints from providers this year, they had received an overall effectiveness grade of inadequate or requires improvement. We will also see how practicable it is to separate out figures for conduct and judgement complaints, which is often challenging, given the interrelated nature of the complaints submitted. ... 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.