
Thinking Deeply about Primary Education
The Future of School Inspection: Still Analysing Ofsted's Proposed Reforms
Feb 15, 2025
Shannen Doherty, a dedicated primary teacher, and Louise McLaughlin, an insightful educator, delve into Ofsted's proposed inspection reforms. They discuss a shift towards a more collaborative inspection methodology aimed at easing workloads. Key topics include the implications of full and monitoring inspections for accountability, the transition to a five-point grading scale, and the importance of clear communication during assessments. They emphasize the need for genuine support for state-funded schools, especially those facing challenges.
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Quick takeaways
- Ofsted's proposed reforms aim to foster collaboration between inspectors and school leaders, streamlining the inspection process to reduce leaders' workload.
- Concerns about evaluation consistency and clarity persist, with complex criteria potentially overshadowing genuine assessment of school leadership and performance.
Deep dives
Reforming Inspection Methodology
The new inspection proposals aim to reform the inspection methodology by fostering a more collaborative relationship between inspectors and school leaders. The process will still start with a phone call, with the option for video calls, which is intended to help build rapport. A significant change is the elimination of deep dives into specific subjects, allowing greater flexibility in focus areas aligned with the school's priorities. This move is designed to lessen the workload on leaders since they will not need to provide extensive written evidence to demonstrate compliance with standards.
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