Menu
30/05/2012
Changes To School Inspections Announced
Ofsted today announces 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 today.
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."
Sir Michael stressed that inspectors' evaluation of the progress made by pupils and learners will be central to their judgement 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.
Under the new arrangements, schools will receive almost no notice of an inspection with inspectors calling headteachers the afternoon before an inspection takes place. Ofsted proposed conducting school inspections without any notice but listened to headteachers' concerns about this during the consultation. Calling the working day before an inspection will enable headteachers to make any necessary logistical arrangements including notifying parents and governors of the inspection. Parents can be reassured that inspectors are seeing schools as they really are.
(GK)
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 today.
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."
Sir Michael stressed that inspectors' evaluation of the progress made by pupils and learners will be central to their judgement 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.
Under the new arrangements, schools will receive almost no notice of an inspection with inspectors calling headteachers the afternoon before an inspection takes place. Ofsted proposed conducting school inspections without any notice but listened to headteachers' concerns about this during the consultation. Calling the working day before an inspection will enable headteachers to make any necessary logistical arrangements including notifying parents and governors of the inspection. Parents can be reassured that inspectors are seeing schools as they really are.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2005
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
09 September 2004
Citizens Advice highlights school uniform grant crisis
A report launched today by Citizens Advice confirms that school uniform grants are falling far short of covering the financial cost faced by parents. The average cost of a school uniform is now £185, while the average grant available when a child starts secondary school is only £51.27, a mere increase of £2.01 since 2001.
Citizens Advice highlights school uniform grant crisis
A report launched today by Citizens Advice confirms that school uniform grants are falling far short of covering the financial cost faced by parents. The average cost of a school uniform is now £185, while the average grant available when a child starts secondary school is only £51.27, a mere increase of £2.01 since 2001.
05 December 2013
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
02 October 2008
Free School Meals For Scots Primary School Pupils
All school pupils in primaries one to three in Scotland are to be entitled to free school meals following successful pilot schemes.
Free School Meals For Scots Primary School Pupils
All school pupils in primaries one to three in Scotland are to be entitled to free school meals following successful pilot schemes.
02 November 2012
Charity Helps Feed Malawi Children
The work of a Scottish charity to ensure Malawian school pupils can enjoy a nutritious meal at school has been highlighted by Scotland’s Education Secretary in Neno. Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell has visited the town’s Chifunga 1 primary school and the nearby St Daniel Comboni Under-Six Centre to see the work of Mary’s Meals.
Charity Helps Feed Malawi Children
The work of a Scottish charity to ensure Malawian school pupils can enjoy a nutritious meal at school has been highlighted by Scotland’s Education Secretary in Neno. Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell has visited the town’s Chifunga 1 primary school and the nearby St Daniel Comboni Under-Six Centre to see the work of Mary’s Meals.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
