Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 43
43
Deferred
Paragraph: 137
Ensure Ofsted inspectors fully account for school context, disadvantaged pupils, and SEND in judgements.
Conclusion
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.
Government Response 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.
Paragraph Reference:
137
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Sir Martyn made clear his determination to see context considered more in our work at the launch of the Big Listen. We want to make sure our judgements about schools consider the context within which they are working. But he was equally clear that this must never compromise our having the highest expectations for all children – especially the most disadvantaged. Context is vital to understanding and reporting about schools, and we want to talk to the sector and to parents about how to improve this as part of the Big Listen, while never compromising on our expectations for children, in line with Recommendation 25.