Ofsted

Ofsted: Councils won’t get heads-up on ‘inadequate’ judgements

Ofsted

Ofsted will no longer notify local authorities of provisional inadequate judgements of their maintained schools and academies.

But the decision has been met with opposition from the Local Government Association (LGA), which warns schools need immediate support.

The schools watchdog released updated guidance for schools and early education today.

Ofsted provides early notification of provisional inadequate judgements – which are pending moderation – to the Department for Education of maintained schools and academies.

The guidance states: “Historically, the local authority has also been copied into this notification, but this will no longer apply”.

Instead, the local authority will continue to receive notification of the inadequate outcome “only when the final judgement has been made”.

Council group opposes change

Councillor Anntoinette Bramble, chair of LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said it was “disappointed not to have been consulted” on the guidance and the organisation “oppose this change”.

She explained maintained schools judged inadequate would remain under council control for months until a sponsor is found. It was “vital for pupils and student’s prospects and wellbeing, and staff morale, that support is immediately available”, she added.

But an Ofsted spokesperson said the watchdog “thinks it is unnecessary to inform local authorities” before the moderation process.

They said this will ensure action is only taken when the grade is confirmed.

Ofsted explains there may be some cases where it decides the local authority should be notified of safeguarding concerns.

This may happen “promptly after” or even during an inspection, the guidance states.

Local authorities have the overarching responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in their area.

Latest education roles from

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

FEA

Director of Governance – HRUC

Director of Governance – HRUC

FEA

Principal and CEO

Principal and CEO

Hills Road Sixth Form College

Senior Quality Officer

Senior Quality Officer

University of Lancashire

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

IncludEd Conference: Get Inclusion Ready

As we all clamber to make sense of the new Ofsted framework, it can be hard to know where...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK schools, pupils are already...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Retire Early, Live Fully: What Teachers Need to Consider First

Specialist Financial Adviser, William Adams, from Wesleyan Financial Services discusses what teachers should be considering when it comes to...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Ofsted

Nudge unit calls for ‘eye-catching’ national Ofsted inspection survey

The Behavioural Insights Team also recommends Ofsted 'emphasise' in inspector training how to reduce the formality of conversations

Samantha Booth
Ofsted

Small schools demand Ofsted clarity over report card impact

Inspectors will conduct three learning walks on the first day of inspections and hold at least five 'reflection meetings'...

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted chief calls for new state school standards ‘enshrined in law’

Sir Martyn Oliver says new legislation would 'stop Ofsted from tinkering' and 'deciding to do something new'

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted inspections of MATs should be ungraded, says CST

Confederation of School Trusts (CST) gives its feedback on plans for academy trust inspections

Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

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