Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
First Report - Ofsted’s work with schools
Education Committee
HC 117
Published 29 January 2024
Recommendations
4
Accepted in Part
Require Ofsted to urgently address seven concerns from Ruth Perry's coroner's report and report progress.
Recommendation
The serious nature of a Prevention of Future Deaths report will not be lost on the new HMCI. We expect him to make every effort to address the coroner’s report fully. Ofsted should review the seven areas of concern set …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it has responded fully to the coroner’s report and committed to appointing an independent expert this month to lead a learning review of Ofsted’s policies regarding tragic incidents. They will respond to this review's recommendations as part of the Big Listen, but do not explicitly commit to reporting to the committee every six months.
Department for Education
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15
Accepted
Para 59
Publish data on inspectors' phase and subject expertise, including leadership of inspections.
Recommendation
Ofsted should publish data on HMIs’ and contracted Ofsted inspectors’ expertise regarding phase of education and subject, and the proportion of inspections led by at least one inspector with the relevant phase expertise.
Government Response Summary
The government states it has already taken action regarding this recommendation by further developing existing inspector pen portraits to describe expertise within the workforce.
Department for Education
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17
Rejected
Para 61
Commission independent assessment of factors affecting retention of experienced Ofsted HMIs.
Recommendation
We recognise the value and expertise that experienced inspectors can bring, particularly long-serving HMIs. Ofsted should commission an independent assessment of the factors affecting retention of experienced HMIs and take appropriate steps to address the issue.
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to commission an independent assessment, stating it already understands HMI retention factors and does not believe it would be a good use of public money, citing salary constraints and workload as known issues.
Department for Education
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26
Deferred
Para 87
Assess proportionality of academy orders imposed on schools with consecutive 'requires improvement' ratings.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that assessing the proportionality of academy orders and publishing related guidance for Regional Directors is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on these issues.
Department for Education
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27
Accepted
Para 88
Review and strengthen support mechanisms for school leaders' wellbeing during and after inspections.
Recommendation
The Department and Ofsted should review the support mechanisms available to school leaders during and following an inspection and ensure that these are as strong as possible to support the wellbeing of school leaders. Ofsted must publish a clear policy, …
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Government Response Summary
The government has provided mental health awareness training for all lead inspectors and committed to ensuring all inspection staff complete it by March 2024. They have also published a new policy allowing inspection pauses for headteacher support, directly addressing key aspects of the recommendation.
Department for Education
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36
Accepted in Part
Publish separate complaints data for each sector, including per inspection and upheld rates.
Recommendation
In its annual report and accounts, Ofsted should publish separate complaints data for each sector in their remit, including data on the number and percentage of complaints per inspection, whether these relate to conduct or judgements, and the percentage of …
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Government Response Summary
The government states they already publish some complaints data and commit to providing percentages of complaints per inspection remit from 2024-25, and separating information about the proportion of inspections upheld by remit. They will also investigate the practicality of separating conduct and judgement complaints.
Department for Education
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39
Deferred
Para 130
Publish evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework, adapting for primary, special, and small schools.
Recommendation
Ofsted must publish their planned evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as soon as possible. In this evaluation, Ofsted should review the implementation of the new framework, in particular looking at the impact it has had on primary schools, special …
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Government Response Summary
The government states its intention to publish the findings from its evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as part of its response to the 'Big Listen', which will also gather further feedback from the sector and public on the framework's implementation and impact.
Department for Education
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47
Accepted
Para 147
Review Ofsted's 'inadequate' safeguarding judgement policy, preventing academy orders for minor issues.
Recommendation
In the interim, Ofsted should review its policy on ‘inadequate’ judgements due to ineffective safeguarding and ensure that schools are only being judged ‘inadequate’ in cases where they are fundamentally failing to keep children safe. In cases where the problems …
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Government Response Summary
The government has clarified that a school will only be judged 'inadequate' due to safeguarding if children are not safe, and has implemented rapid re-inspections to allow schools to remedy issues before formal intervention, directly addressing the recommendation.
Department for Education
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Conclusions (41)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 14
There is general agreement among teachers, school leaders, parents, teaching unions and other organisations on the important role that an independent inspectorate plays, and on the need for strong accountability for schools. However, it is clear that relations between Ofsted and the school sector, teachers, and leaders have become extremely …
Government Response Summary
The government confirms the launch of the "Big Listen" initiative, outlining its scope to gather feedback from various stakeholders to inform future improvements in inspection and regulation, with a commitment to taking action immediately after it concludes.
2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 15
Following the tragic death of Ruth Perry, Ofsted has taken some steps to address the concerns raised about the school inspection process. The changes announced are welcome but these announcements, in and of themselves, do not appear to have alleviated concerns and restored Ofsted’s relations with the sector. Ofsted must …
Government Response Summary
The government committed to appointing an independent expert this month to lead a learning review of Ofsted’s response to Ruth Perry's death, considering policy revisions, and will respond to these recommendations as part of the Big Listen.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 16
In his “Big Listen” with the sector, the new HMCI must ensure that he is listening to a wide range of views, including those of teachers, school and trust leaders, governors, parents, and pupils. In doing this, he must ensure that Ofsted is genuinely open to engage and willing to …
Government Response Summary
The government states the "Big Listen" was launched to hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, professionals, and Ofsted staff, emphasizing openness to criticism and a commitment to reflect and learn from diverse views.
5
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 26
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 …
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.
6
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 27
In the shorter term, the Department should work with Ofsted to enable the inspectorate to reduce the frequency of inspections to approximately five to six years for ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools and three to four years for schools judged ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’. This should be supported by better use …
Government Response Summary
The government states that inspection frequency is set by legislation, arguing that the current 5-year interval provides reassurance to parents and that less frequent inspections could reduce standards. While the "Big Listen" will explore these issues, they do not commit to the recommended reduction in inspection frequency.
7
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 28
In the longer term, the Department should support Ofsted in making a strong case to the Treasury for additional funding to carry out more in-depth inspections, without compromising on frequency or the principle that all schools are subject to periodic inspection. Funding for Ofsted should not be seen to be …
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's support for seeking additional funding for more in-depth inspections and outlines how such funding could be used, including a cost estimate of £8.5 million per year.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 33
We have heard a range of views as to the appropriate notice period for inspections and accept that this is an issue that is difficult to fully resolve. While we do not believe that there should be a return to the much longer notice periods of the past, the current …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that notice periods cause diverse views and operational difficulties, stating the "Big Listen" will reflect on current approaches and consider potential changes to find the right balance, with action to follow its conclusion.
9
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 34
Ofsted should consider the case for a small increase in the notice period given to schools—we heard suggestions that around five working days would be appropriate. The notice period should remain relatively short in order to limit the pressure on leaders and avoid a situation where schools are spending a …
Government Response Summary
The government states the "Big Listen" will carefully consider potential changes to notice periods for schools, including the suggested increase and offering a specific inspection term, affirming that nothing is off the table for discussion.
10
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 35
Ofsted should consider whether smaller schools could be given a longer notice period or greater flexibility around deferrals to take into account the particular operational challenges they face during inspections.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the challenges faced by small primary schools and commits to considering the proposal for longer notice periods or greater flexibility for them during the "Big Listen," despite initial concerns about fair implementation.
11
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 46
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 …
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.
12
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 47
Ofsted should explore ways in which it can improve its engagement with parents, pupils, governors, and trustees before and during the inspection process, ensuring that opportunities are well-communicated and that those with additional needs 50 Ofsted’s work with schools are supported to engage. Our previous recommendation to extend the notice …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of engagement and states it already aims to talk to staff and governors, but defers exploring further improvements and how to report them to the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action planned after its conclusion.
13
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 48
Ofsted should introduce regular surveys of parents, pupils and staff outside the inspection process and use this information as part of its risk assessment to identify schools most or least in need of inspection.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to reviewing its current risk assessment model, but defers the specific recommendation to introduce regular surveys of parents, pupils, and staff to be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation.
14
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 58
We are concerned that the lack of relevant phase-specific expertise among inspectors appears to be a widespread problem, particularly in primary schools and in specialist education settings. A high-quality inspection regime must ensure that inspectors have sufficient expertise to be able to accurately assess the quality of provision and offer …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of matching inspector expertise to the phase of education inspected and expresses an ambition to improve this, including discussing the issue further through the 'Big Listen'.
16
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 60
Ofsted must ensure that they are matching inspectors’ expertise with the appropriate phase and subject as much as possible, and ensure that their recruitment processes are targeting particular gaps in expertise. At a minimum, they must ensure that the lead inspector always has expertise in the relevant type of school …
Government Response Summary
The government states its ambition to match inspector expertise to the appropriate phase and subject wherever possible, acknowledging benefits and challenges, but defers further exploration and action to the 'Big Listen' consultation.
18
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 62
We have heard that access to training materials gives school leaders working as inspectors a disproportionate advantage over those who do not, and that Ofsted does not make enough data available to qualified researchers. While we accept that Ofsted publishes many other materials to support schools with inspections and that …
Government Response Summary
The government commits to publishing all training materials unless there is a strong reason not to, noting that much is already public and some is withheld due to context or external ownership. They also intend to publish data wherever possible.
19
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Ofsted must ensure that it is publishing as much information as possible to maximise the transparency of its work. In particular, it must make more data available to key educational research organisations to allow for high-quality research to be conducted. Ofsted must also publish the training materials which are available …
Government Response Summary
The government commits to publishing all training materials unless there is a strong reason not to, explaining that some material is already public or withheld due to context. They also intend to publish training material and data wherever possible.
20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 67
There is widespread agreement amongst schools, governing bodies and other organisations that inspection reports are too short and formulaic and do not provide enough useful information, particularly for schools. Targeting the reports at a parent audience means that schools do not always receive an in-depth assessment of their strengths and …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of inspection reports and the trade-offs made due to funding, which leads to shorter reports focused on parents. It is keen to discuss report effectiveness with the sector through the 'Big Listen' consultation.
21
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 68
As part of our recommended increase to the length and depth of inspections, we also recommend that Ofsted increase the length and depth of analysis provided in inspection reports to ensure that they are genuinely useful in providing parents and schools with the information they need. This should be developed …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of inspection reports but states current reports are designed to be short due to funding priorities. They commit to discussing how to improve reports with parents and the sector through their 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to be taken after it concludes.
22
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 83
Evidence from groups representing teachers, school leaders, parents and pupils was highly critical of Ofsted’s single-word overall judgements. There is much concern that they simplify the complex environment of a school and the many efforts of its leadership and staff into a single headline. We have heard many suggestions as …
Government Response Summary
The government states that matters concerning inspection grades and broader reform fall to the Department for Education (DfE) rather than Ofsted, committing only to engage with the DfE on these issues.
23
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 84
The Department and Ofsted should work together as a priority to develop an alternative to the current single-word overall judgement that better captures the complex nature of a school’s performance, and ensure that these changes interact effectively with Department policies. In doing so, they should look at other jurisdictions both …
Government Response Summary
The government states that developing an alternative to single-word judgements is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
24
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 85
As a first step, Ofsted and Department for Education websites should always show the full list of judgements, not just the overall judgement, and encourage schools to do the same on their websites and published materials.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is actively working on new policies and practices, including making changes to its website to show the full range of judgements rather than just overall effectiveness grades, directly addressing the recommendation.
25
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 86
The ‘high-stakes’ nature of the current system is clearly causing a significant amount of stress and worry for school leaders. In particular, there is an overwhelming fear among headteachers that they risk losing their job following a less than ‘good’ judgement, and the Department’s guidance is unclear as to whether …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the issues of proportionate consequences of inspection and suitable support mechanisms for leaders are matters for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on them.
28
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 95
We have heard that there is not enough support for schools to improve following a negative inspection judgement, and that the support available does not always arrive as quickly as is needed. We recognise that the role of school improvement no longer sits with Ofsted, and that much of this …
Government Response Summary
The government states that providing support for schools to improve following a negative inspection judgement is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on this.
29
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 96
It is essential that there is proper scrutiny of the regional system of school improvement. We do not agree with the former Schools Minister’s view that it is sufficient to scrutinise Regional Directors solely through parliamentary scrutiny of ministers.
Government Response Summary
The government states that improving the transparency and accountability of Regional Directors' work (related to scrutiny of the regional system) is a matter for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
30
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 97
The Department must conduct a full audit of the support available to schools to help them improve, reviewing whether the amount of support is sufficient and what more is needed. In the interim, the Department should ensure that all schools and trusts are aware of the support on offer and …
Government Response Summary
The government states that conducting an audit of school support, developing a 'one-stop shop', and ensuring timely support after negative judgements are matters for the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on these issues.
31
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 98
The Department must improve the transparency and accountability of the work of the Regional Directors. At a minimum, it should provide an annual report to Parliament setting out the scope, detail and impact of their work and make Regional Directors available to give evidence to the Committee.
Government Response Summary
The government states that this recommendation, concerning the transparency and accountability of Regional Directors, is a matter for the DfE, not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on it.
32
Conclusion
Deferred
We have received substantial evidence suggesting that Ofsted’s complaints process is not seen to be working and amounts to Ofsted “marking their own homework”. The changes announced in Ofsted’s consultation on the process are welcome, and we particularly welcome the introduction of a telephone number which schools can call to …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing changes to the complaints process and states that the majority of related recommendations, including addressing concerns about the complaints process, will be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to follow its conclusion.
33
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 109
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 …
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'.
34
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 110
The Department for Education and Ofsted should conduct an in-depth review of the complaints process to ensure that there is an efficient and independent process for schools to challenge the findings as well as the conduct of an inspection. In doing so, they should explore the option of setting up …
Government Response Summary
The government refers to existing changes in the complaints process and states that the recommendation for an in-depth review and exploring an independent body will be explored through the 'Big Listen' consultation, with action to follow its conclusion.
35
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 111
Ofsted must allow schools to gain access to the evidence base used to reach a judgement when making a complaint, making redactions to ensure that confidentiality and protection of the identity of individuals is maintained where this is necessary.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to transparency and ensuring schools understand the reasoning behind judgements, stating they will discuss how to improve this with the sector as part of the 'Big Listen' consultation rather than immediately allowing access to the evidence base.
37
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 128
There is broad support for the move away from a data-driven approach to one that is more focused on curriculum in the new Education Inspection Framework. However, there appear to be problems with how this has worked in practice, in particular around the impact this has had on the consistency …
Government Response Summary
The government intends to publish findings from its evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework as part of its response to the 'Big Listen', which will also gather further feedback from the sector and public on the framework and how context is considered.
38
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 129
There is also widespread concern that the new framework is less suitable for primary and special schools, particularly smaller schools, who are finding it more difficult to meet its requirements. We appreciate that any change to the framework causes additional work for schools, which should be minimised, but we think …
Government Response Summary
The government refers to its upcoming evaluation of the Education Inspection Framework, which will be published as part of the 'Big Listen' response, and commits to gathering further feedback on the framework, including how context is considered for different school types.
40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 131
It is clear that many teachers and school leaders are struggling with workload pressures in their roles, which are exacerbated by perceptions of what Ofsted expects to see in inspections. There are also concerns that the new framework has caused additional workload pressures for teachers, particularly subject leaders, and school …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges workload pressures and states the 'Big Listen' will gather feedback on the impact of inspection. It commits to evaluating how leaders address staff wellbeing and workload, and continuing efforts to reduce burdens associated with the inspection process.
41
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 132
The Department and Ofsted must go further than simply ‘myth-busting’: they must undertake a programme of research to fully understand the causes of inspection- related workload pressure and assess what changes would be genuinely helpful in reducing this. The new HMCI should prioritise work in this area as part of …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the 'Big Listen' initiative will serve as a programme of research to gather feedback on the impact of inspection and is committed to reducing workload. They will evaluate how leaders address well-being and reduce workload as part of this.
42
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 136
We were concerned by the suggestion that Ofsted does not sufficiently take into account the challenges faced by schools with high numbers of disadvantaged pupils or those with SEND. We appreciate that the 2019 inspection framework aimed to improve the situation by moving away from outcome data, but there still …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concern about considering context, stating that Sir Martyn has committed to considering context more and will discuss improvements as part of the 'Big Listen' initiative.
43
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 137
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 …
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.
44
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 144
Safeguarding is an essential aspect of every school’s work. We agree that there is merit in schools being audited more regularly for compliance with safeguarding procedures, especially as we are recommending that some schools be inspected less frequently than is currently the case. However, we still see a role for …
Government Response Summary
The government has already clarified what constitutes 'ineffective safeguarding', implemented rapid re-inspections for schools graded inadequate due to safeguarding, and is conducting a formal review into making safeguarding a standalone judgment.
45
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 145
The inquest into the death of Ruth Perry also raised concerns about the policy of judging a school ‘inadequate’ solely due to safeguarding. We accept that this only applies to a small number of schools and that Ofsted has taken some steps towards mitigating this issue through quicker re-inspections. Conducting …
Government Response Summary
The government has clarified that a school will only be judged to have ineffective safeguarding when children are not safe, and has implemented rapid re-inspections for such cases, aiming to prevent 'inadequate' judgments for minor administrative errors. They are also reviewing the framework to potentially make safeguarding a standalone judgment.
46
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 146
The Department should consult on the best approach to increasing the regularity of safeguarding inspections through a less intensive compliance audit. In doing so, Ofsted’s work with schools 55 it should look at whether this should be done by local authorities or by a separate, independent body, and make the …
Government Response Summary
The government states that this recommendation falls to the Department for Education (DfE), not Ofsted, and Ofsted will engage with the DfE on considering new approaches to inspecting safeguarding.
48
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 154
We agree with the incoming HMCI that it is “inevitable” that MATs will be inspected, and we are frustrated that repeated calls for trust inspections from this Committee, its predecessors and others have not yet been acted upon by the Department. We recognise that Ofsted will need to develop their …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that MAT inspection is inevitable but redirects responsibility for developing the process to the DfE, stating that it falls under their remit. They also suggest considering a wider application of 'group inspection'.
49
Conclusion
Deferred
The Department must authorise Ofsted to develop a framework for the inspection of MATs as a matter of urgency and set out a plan for building the appropriate expertise and capacity in this area. Ofsted will need to be appropriately resourced to develop their expertise in this respect and should …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the authorization for Ofsted to develop a MAT inspection framework falls to the DfE, not Ofsted, and commits to engaging with the DfE on this matter while also suggesting a broader concept of 'group inspection'.