The grading was introduced for inspections of local authority children's services departments under the single inspection framework in 2013, replacing the "adequate" rating from the previous inspection regime.
However, it has proved unpopular with many children's services leaders who argue that the rating gives the impression of a struggling department rather than emphasising that they are delivering services satisfactorily.
The Ofsted strategy 2017-2022, published today, states that the organisation wants to ensure that its grading system "encourages improvement and does not create undesirable incentives".
"We will work with the Department for Education to conduct research into the impact of the inspection grading structure," the strategy states.??
"We will give greater prominence to underlying judgments and look to how they are used by different audiences for different purposes.
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
