Why Ofsted’s deferral system needs an overhaul

The call from a lead inspector informing a school of an imminent inspection can lead to a range of reactions.

The response from a school that has been looking forward to sharing its achievements is very different to one where the school has gone through a turbulent period and the notification leaves a sense of foreboding.

In both scenarios the lead inspector will try to allay any fear and attempt to create a trusting and open relationship. There are, however, times when the school feels it is not the right time for an inspection and seeks a deferral.

Currently, that request is made formally by the school and is considered by a senior HMI.

I am aware of deferrals being granted and others refused in situations where, on the surface, the scenarios appear similar.

That is why I believe Ofsted should review its deferral policy to ensure the welfare of school staff has a higher priority.

In recent weeks I have heard of several examples where, despite compelling reasons to postpone, an inspection has still gone ahead.

Shockingly, I have heard of cases where an inspection went ahead even though the headteacher was at the funeral of a parent and one where the deferral request didn’t get past the lead inspector.

Parent’s funeral should be included

Currently, an inspection will only be postponed if a member of staff or a pupil has died, but I believe the funeral or death of a headteacher’s parent, child or partner should also be included in the reasons for a deferral.

It is important to acknowledge the difficulties here for the inspectorate.

It has to ensure it puts the needs of pupils and students above all else, and it also has to be mindful that requests for deferral can be used by less scrupulous schools to try and ensure they are in a better place at the time of the rearranged inspection.

All these issues need to be considered quickly by Ofsted colleagues with limited information of the actual circumstances. It is easy to understand why some similar requests are granted whereas others are not.

Any delay in evaluating the deferral request has a significant impact on the school, but also on the preparation for the inspection.

Currently, Ofsted informs the school by email without any explanation as to why the decision was either accepted or refused.

I believe it is right that a quick notification is shared by email, but it isn’t good enough for the communication to not carry the name of the senior HMI who made the decision or an indication as to when a more detailed explanation will be provided by that senior official.

Urgent concerns

At present a binary deferral judgment is made, but I wonder why the chief inspector doesn’t use the discretionary powers available to him or her to inspect in a slightly different way.

Section 8 of the 2005 Education Act enables Ofsted to investigate urgent concerns, including those surrounding safeguarding or evidence of a sudden drop in standards.

If for any reason Ofsted has a concern and a deferral request is made, then the discretionary powers can be used to provide a third response to a deferral request.

A single inspector could make a short visit the following day to assure themselves that all is well, in safeguarding terms.

This visit would not be a check on the veracity of the deferral request because this had been approved already.

It would, however, enable Ofsted to assure itself on the safety of the pupils, students and staff.

Obviously, if significant concerns are observed during that short visit then the inspection could continue the next day.

I appreciate these arrangements would have some resource implications for Ofsted because inspectors primed to undertake an inspection would be “stood down” for at least one day or not deployed at all.

But these costs are worth accepting to ensure that Ofsted is seen to respond in a more open and considered way.

Genuine issue

The vast majority of schools seek a deferral because they believe there is a genuine ongoing or sudden issue that will place significant burdens on the school and will likely hinder the process of inspection. To make such a request is never taken lightly.

Ofsted needs to respond to such requests in a more considered and open fashion, drawing on all the discretionary powers available to the chief inspector.

It’s time for an overhaul of the deferral system to ensure it is more compassionate and flexible for the benefit of pupils, students and staff.