Schools to be notified by phone the afternoon before Ofsted checks

Following a consultation into wider changes to schools inspections, the watchdog confirmed that inspectors would move to a system whereby they notify schools by phone the afternoon before a check is due to take place.

Ofsted had proposed conducting school inspections without any notice at all, but decided to amend the plans, since head teachers’ unions warned that totally unannounced inspections could mean they might be off the school site at the time of the check – attending child protection hearings, for example.

Meanwhile, Ofsted has confirmed its intention to scrutinise teachers’ pay through inspections, to make sure that staff are not receiving pay increases if a school is doing poorly.

In addition, Ofsted will no longer describe schools, further education and skills providers or teacher training providers as “satisfactory”, but as “requires improvement” instead.

Ofsted’s chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “All schools and colleges can, and should, provide at least a good level of education. Parents and employers, children and learners expect nothing less.

"That is why we are introducing these changes to the way we inspect. Inspectors will be clear about what needs to improve, and will return sooner to those that are not yet good to check their progress.”

But Nansi Ellis, head of education policy at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), criticised Ofsted for attempting to “meddle in teachers’ pay”.

“This is outside its remit and it already has more than enough to do inspecting teaching and helping schools and colleges improve,” she said.

“While giving schools virtually no notice of an inspection may make parents think that inspectors are seeing what really goes on in schools, the reality is that it means teachers, heads and support staff are in a state of constant anxiety, measuring and recording everything in case inspectors turn up, rather than developing creative, innovative and exciting lessons for their pupils."

Chris Keates, general secretary of the teaching union NASUWT, added: "The announcement of yet more reform to the inspection framework for schools in England comes just six months after changes initiated by the Secretary of State.

“If the chief inspector is serious about wanting to support school improvement and excellence across the system, he will need to ensure that Ofsted is equipped and capable of offering schools practical support between inspections.”