Parents push for transparent Ofsted inspections

As reported by The Standard, new research reveals that over a third of parents are advocating for an end to single-word judgments in Ofsted inspections, favouring a report card-style accountability model, with 85% still supporting the continuation of school inspections

Currently schools are given a one-word rating ranging from “outstanding” to “inadequate” after they are inspected.

Today’s report comes after a coroner concluded an Ofsted inspection “likely contributed” to the death of Caversham headteacher Ruth Perry, whose school had been downgraded from outstanding to inadequate.

Ofsted inspections were on pause today and inspectors were undergoing training on “recognising and responding to visible signs of anxiety” following the results of the inquest.

The report into public support for education reform suggests that 85 per cent of parents agree on balance that Ofsted should continue to inspect schools, while 60 per cent think that inspections should change.

A total of 42 per cent of parents said Ofsted should be more transparent on how it reaches judgments, 37 per cent of parents want longer inspections, 36 per cent want greater frequency of inspections and 34 per cent want an end to single-word judgments.

The report, commissioned by the Laidlaw Foundation which invests in education of the underprivileged, suggests parental desire for more balanced accountability is likely to be a reflection of an appetite for a broader curriculum.

While parents want schools to maintain a focus on academic outcomes, they are also keen to see expanded extra-curricular activities and the teaching of “life skills”, such as healthy eating, and digital and financial literacy.