Ofsted announces changes to inspections of schools, further education and skills, and initial teache
Ofsted has announced the results of its consultation on changes to the way it inspects schools, further education and skills, and initial teacher education. The changes, which come into effect from 1 September 2012, are intended to support headteachers and principals in their work to provide the best possible education for pupils and learners.
Ofsted's consultation, 'A good education for all', was launched by Sir Michael Wilshaw, HMCI, in February 2012. The 12-week consultation received over 5,000 responses and the views received have directly shaped the announcements made.
Announcing the results of the consultation, Sir Michael Wilshaw, HMCI 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.
'We want to work with good headteachers and principals as they strive to provide the best education possible for pupils and learners. These new arrangements have benefited from extensive consultation and I am grateful to all those who took the time to respond.'
Sir Michael stressed that inspectors' evaluation of the progress made by pupils and learners will be central to their judgment on whether a school is providing a good education. This means if pupils are making good progress, a school can be found good or better even where attainment is below average.
Sir Michael confirmed that Ofsted will no longer describe schools, further education and skills providers and teacher training providers as 'satisfactory' where they are not providing a good level of education. From September 2012, the 'satisfactory' grade will be replaced with 'requires improvement' and inspection reports will be clear about what needs to improve.
Ofsted will re-inspect those found to 'require improvement' sooner than under current inspection arrangements. Schools will have a full re-inspection within two years. Further education and skills providers found to 'require improvement' will be re-inspected within 12 to 18 months. Initial teacher education providers will be re-inspected normally within a year of their last inspection.
For full details of the changes, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk
