Education committee launches Ofsted schools inquiry

The education select committee will examine whether the current inspection framework - introduced in 2019 - has had an impact on school standards and the workload and wellbeing of teachers and school leaders.

The inquiry launch follows Ofsted’s announcement on Monday that it is to change the way it inspects safeguarding arrangements in schools in response to the suicide earlier this year of head teacher Ruth Perry after her school received an “inadequate” rating. 

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The cross-party group of MPs will also investigate concerns raised by the education sector that the one-word inspection ratings and feedback Ofsted gives to schools may not be conducive to helping schools improve.

In addition, the committee will focus on the inspectorates’ complaints procedures to assess whether it is working for schools - earlier this week, Ofsted launched a consultation on reforms to its complaints process after sector leaders criticised them.

Education committee chair Robin Walker MP said: “This year has seen a notable groundswell of criticism towards Ofsted which appears to have stemmed from a feeling that inspections place a high burden on school staff, and a view that one-word ratings do not always fully capture the quality of teaching and care that a school provides to children from a range of backgrounds. Ofsted plays a particularly vital role when it comes to safeguarding but ensuring that inspections are proportionate, timely and reasonable is essential to build trust, especially after the tragic passing of headteacher Ruth Perry. 

“Some have argued that Ofsted’s role should be expanded to provide more support to schools that need to improve, amid concerns around the impact that receiving a negative rating can have on a school’s morale and reputation. It is vital that Ofsted is clear in its role as an independent inspectorate and that it can respond to serious concerns properly when they are raised, which is why we will also want to look carefully at its complaints process.” 

The deadline for submitting evidence to the inquiry is 20 July. A number of oral evidence sessions will take place in the autumn.