Ofsted

DfE considering ‘accelerated inspections’ to help Ofsted tackle Covid backlog

schools white paper

Gavin Williamson has revealed the government is looking to accelerate the timetable for Ofsted inspections in order to address the backlog of schools due a visit.

The education secretary was questioned by the Parliamentary education committee this morning on the possibility of speeding up the process for schools left waiting for inspections, which were suspended when Covid hit last year.

David Johnston, the Conservative MP for Wantage, explained that some schools in his constituency were “living on an old Ofsted judgement where they know they’ve improved and it would help their admissions if they could show that improvement”.

OfstedOfsted’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman appeared before the committee last week and raised concerns about the length of time between inspections for ‘outstanding’ schools.

These schools were previously exempt from inspections, however the immunity was removed in October last year following a consultation.

Johnston added that Spielman raised concerns over some schools going without inspection for 14 years and “her view when I put this question to her was they could accelerate the timetable for Ofsted inspections if they were directed to by government.”

DfE considering ‘accelerated inspections’

Williamson said the Department for Education (DfE)  “would certainly be looking at a whole range of different options including accelerated inspection.”

He added Johnston was “right to highlight” the need for schools to progress out of lower grades and the lack of inspections in outstanding schools.

The education secretary said the government will now be “looking very closely” at what “further action we can take to ensure that schools are best supported by Ofsted” as the sector moves out of the pandemic.

Ofsted suspended full graded inspections in March 2020 when the pandemic struck, but they are due to resume in September.

A previous Schools Week investigation revealed that more than 100 schools have been ignored by Ofsted for over a decade.

Latest education roles from

IT Technician

IT Technician

Harris Academy Morden

Teacher of Geography

Teacher of Geography

Harris Academy Orpington

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Exams Assistant

Exams Assistant

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult & Community College

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Solihull College and University Centre

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Dream Big Day: Empowering Every Pupil to Imagine, Create, and Flourish

In today’s rapidly evolving world, educators face an immense challenge: How do we inspire young people to envision ambitious...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Reframing digital skills for the workforce of tomorrow

No longer just for those with a passion for technology: why digital skills matter

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Safe to speak, ready to act: SaferSpace tackles harassment, misconduct and safeguarding concerns in schools 

In today’s education climate, where safeguarding, wellbeing and staff retention are under increasing scrutiny, the message is clear: schools...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Beyond exams: why ASDAN’s refreshed qualifications are key to real-world learner success

In today’s outcome-driven education landscape, it’s easy to overlook the quieter, yet equally vital, qualities that help learners truly...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Ofsted

Ofsted mulls report card inspection delay

Inspectorate considering pushing back the roll-out of new inspections until 2026

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Nearly two-thirds think Ofsted reforms are worse, ‘alternative’ consultation finds

Survey launched by Ofsted critics finds 90% of respondents said five-point grading system not fit for purpose

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted looks at renaming new ‘secure’ grade

Watchdog has been warned parents may not know where the word fits on its proposed new sliding scale

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Peerage for ex-Ofsted chief ‘inappropriate’ say heads

Concerns follow reports Amanda Spielman will be elevated to the House of Lords by the Conservatives

Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *