By browsing our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here to agree to the use of cookies on our website and remove this message.
Learn More about Cookies view our cookie policy →
Schools' Initial Response to the New Ofsted Ratings (Using Artificial Intelligence).
The sources describe reactions to the removal of single-word judgments from a range of stakeholders, including school leaders' unions, think tanks, individual school leaders, and Ruth Perry's sister. Here is a summary of their responses:
●
Cautious Welcome: Many stakeholders, including school leaders' unions like NAHT and ASCL, have cautiously welcomed the changes, viewing them as a positive step toward a fairer inspection system. They acknowledge the removal of the high-stakes single-word judgment as a significant improvement, recognizing that it reduces pressure on schools and allows for a more nuanced assessment of performance.
●
Calls for Further Reform: While welcoming the removal of single-word judgments, many stakeholders, including NAHT, emphasize that this is just a first step and call for more comprehensive reform of the inspection system. NAHT, for example, would have preferred the removal of sub-judgments as well.
●
Concerns about Proxy Measures: A key concern is that the four sub-judgments could simply become proxy measures for the previous overall effectiveness grade, essentially replicating the high-stakes environment the reforms aimed to address. This concern underscores the importance of ensuring that the new system genuinely focuses on a holistic and nuanced evaluation of school performance.
●
Emphasis on Collaboration and Support: The emphasis on providing support to schools requiring improvement is viewed positively. The introduction of regional improvement teams and the use of system leaders to support struggling schools signal a shift toward a more collaborative approach to school improvement.
●
Focus on Safeguarding: The new "suspend and return" policy for safeguarding concerns is welcomed as a positive step, allowing schools time to address issues without immediate negative consequences. However, the sources also highlight the importance of ensuring that safeguarding remains a high priority and that schools are held accountable for meeting their statutory duties.
●
Potential for Confusion: Some school leaders express concern about the potential for multiple grades to create confusion for parents. This highlights the need for clear communication and effective presentation of the new ratings system to ensure parents can easily understand school performance.
The sources primarily reflect the views of school leaders and organizations. There is less detailed information about the response from teachers and parents. The sources do note that Ofsted's "Big Listen" consultation found limited support among parents and teachers for single-word judgments. This suggests that the removal of these judgments is likely to be met with approval from many within the education community. However, further research and engagement with parents and teachers are needed to fully understand their perspectives on the new system.
Overall, the response from schools to the new Ofsted ratings has been cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders recognize the positive aspects of the changes, particularly the removal of high-stakes single-word judgments and the increased focus on support and collaboration. However, concerns remain about the potential for the new system to replicate the problems of the old and the need for clear communication to avoid confusion among parents. The long-term success of these reforms will depend on continued dialogue, careful implementation, and ongoing evaluation to ensure that the inspection system genuinely contributes to school improvement.
Many thanks to NAPE’s Vice-Chair, Mark Taylor, for collating this information
Please note that ‘January 2025 will see a further consultation on the new inspection framework and the introduction of report card system. The report card system aims to give a more comprehensive assessment of school effectiveness. A pilot of the new inspections will be in place in the summer term’.
