The inspectorate is planning to score schools on a new five-point grading scale across 11 different areas when it launches its report cards later this year (TES). However, the Daily Mail readers were told that Teaching Unions described the proposals as a ‘Nando’s spice chart’.
In March, I reported that you could take part in the 'alternative consultation' on the proposed, new Ofsted framework via a link. The Times Educational Supplement (TES) informed us that; 'The Alternative Big Consultation was launched by former inspectors Professor Colin Richards and Frank Norris in February, to coincide with Ofsted’s own consultation on report cards'. Analysis of this survey data clearly indicated that respondents did not think that the proposed framework would work. A majority of the respondents were most concerned:
> 'How inspectors could come to a judgement on all 11 aspects of a school’s work within a two-day inspection?'.
> That Inspection toolkits for inspectors were vague. 'There was a concern that a “lack of specific detail” could lead to inspectors “interpreting them differently”'.
> '66% of respondents were concerned about the type and nature of the contextual information that Ofsted says it will use in inspections, and whether it will be applied in a consistent manner'.
Also, almost complete condemnation (92%) of the 'exemplary grade' with (90%) rejecting the five-point grading scale, with nearly two-thirds judging it “unfit for purpose”.
Ofsted has agreed that their proposals do need streamlining.
The last word and so conclusion of these survey findings must go to Colin Richards. “There is a major crisis in the offing should the government and Ofsted force its proposals on an unwilling, disaffected teaching profession. The quality of education is being put at risk, as is the sector’s patience and resilience".
By: Mike Aylen
On:25-04-2025
