In a significant shift towards a more inclusive and supportive educational framework, Ofsted has announced a series of reforms to address post-Covid challenges in schools across England better. These changes come in response to growing concerns over student behaviour, absenteeism, and the provision for special educational needs (SEN) following the pandemic. The reforms will also end Ofsted’s single-word overall judgments, which have long been a source of contention among educators.
Under the new inspection model, schools will be evaluated using a comprehensive report card rather than a single-word summary. This move is designed to provide a more detailed assessment of how schools manage critical issues like student behaviour, attendance, and the inclusion of vulnerable students. Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Inspector of Schools in England, emphasised the importance of focusing on these areas, noting that attendance, in particular, has become a national issue requiring targeted attention.
The new framework will also include a more robust complaints procedure and the establishment of an Ofsted academy to foster professionalism, empathy, and respect among inspectors. This initiative is a direct response to feedback from school leaders who have expressed concerns over the conduct of some inspections.
A core element of the reforms is the increased scrutiny of how well schools meet the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils. The changes are part of a broader effort to ensure that schools are better equipped to support students who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
The consultation process for these reforms is set to begin early next year, with the new framework expected to be implemented by September 2025. Sir Martyn Oliver acknowledged that the tragic death of Ruth Perry, a primary school headteacher who took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her school, was a catalyst for these changes. However, he stressed that the need for reform had been building for years, particularly in light of the growing challenges faced by the education sector.
As part of the new approach, Ofsted will pilot a system where all routine inspections are announced on a Monday and carried out over the following two days. This change aims to provide more predictability and reduce the stress associated with the current inspection process. These reforms mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ofsted, with a renewed focus on inclusion, behaviour, and attendance, ensuring that the inspectorate plays a pivotal role in supporting the most vulnerable students while holding schools to account more nuanced and meaningfully.
