ADCS condemns Ofsted for wasting time and money

In a new position paper on inspections, the association accuses the watchdog of wasting time and money.

The paper claims the current inspection model, including the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA), is based on flawed methodology and fails to describe local authority performance in a way the public can understand.

The paper also challenges the watchdog to make sure inspectors are suitably qualified, experienced and trained and warns that local authorities are often "unsure as to how Ofsted arrives at some of its judgements".

Kim Bromley-Derry, president of ADCS, claimed the current inspections system is not working. 

"We want to be inspected, but we need a system that admits its limitations, acknowledges the expertise of those working in the sector and clearly articulates both the challenges and the improvements in a language that the public can understand," he said. 

Bromley-Derry added that directors have been "appalled" by draft copies of Ofsted’s annual performance profiles, which have been sent to local authorities in advance of publication in mid-December. 

These yearly children’s services ratings condense the results of inspections and performance data to give councils an overall score.  

Bromley-Derry said: "To try to describe the wide range of services provided for children and young people in one side of A4 is ridiculous in itself, but worse, in many of the examples that we have seen, there are sentences that don’t make sense, even when you understand the jargon."

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said the protection of children is at the heart of the inspectorate’s work.

She said: "We will not shy away from expressing our findings when we see shortcomings, even if this is uncomfortable for the professionals delivering services."

She added that ADCS’ criticisms were disappointing and contrary to the opinions of many children’s services workers.

"Their views just don’t accord with what we are being told by directors and frontline social workers who have actually experienced our children’s services inspections. The feedback we are getting is much more positive," she said.

ADCS is now consulting with its members and the Local Government Association on how a more cost-effective and fit for purpose inspections regime could be introduced.