CYP Now - Ofsted rating changes ‘welcome’ but inspectorate must rebuild sector’s trust, leaders say

Sector leaders working across children’s social care, the early years and with vulnerable children have cautiously welcomed Ofsted’s plans to scrap single-word judgments across all areas it inspects.

Ofsted must 're-engage with the sector to develop a fair system built on mutual respect', sector leaders say - Photographee EU/Adobe Stock

In its response to the largest public consultation in Ofsted’s history, the inspectorate has announced that it will end single-word judgments for all inspections over the next few years alongside other reforms of its work.

The announcement came 24-hours after the Department for Education revealed plans to scrap one-word ratings for state schools with immediate effect on Monday (2 September).

While no timeframe has been announced for the changes across children’s social care, the early years or further education settings, Ofsted’s chief inspector for education Sir Martyn Oliver told a press briefing that he hoped work would begin on the roll-out “from September 2025” following consultations with relevant sectors.

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