The way our schools are inspected is something that has dominated the news agenda for some time. This is largely because it has become all too evident that the system, as it stands, is broken, and needs reform. A year ago, I was asked to chair the Beyond Ofsted Inquiry, when the system was already under scrutiny. The shocking death of Ruth Perry, the head teacher of Caversham Primary School, put an even greater spotlight on the issue, and more than ever before, there is a consensus that change is needed – now.
Ofsted inspections were once highly effective, however over time the demands made of the system have overwhelmed it, exacerbated by reduced resources. We have moved from week-long school inspections with large expert teams, to short snapshot judgments by fewer than a handful of inspectors. At the same time, parent choice and academisation have raised the stakes considerably. We ask too much of Ofsted; simply put, it is under-resourced for the high-stakes job it is expected to do.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
