Ofsted outlines measures for phased introduction of renewed inspection framework

Ofsted has announced a series of measures to ensure a steady introduction of inspections under its renewed inspection framework, due to be rolled out in November.

Fewer inspections will take place initially, with the most senior and experienced inspectors leading early visits. These will be supported by Ofsted’s in-house teams, while part-time external inspectors will be phased in following training.

The national director for education and principal inspector, Lee Owston HMI, will oversee the work of senior inspectors following pilot visits to volunteer settings in early autumn. All inspectors will complete a full training programme before carrying out live inspections.

The number of inspections will be reduced in November and December, and no inspections will be held in the final week before Christmas to allow time for further training.

In the autumn, a random sample of providers will be invited to take part in ‘exit interviews’ with His Majesty’s chief inspector, the national director and other senior officials. This is in addition to the standard post-inspection survey for all providers.

Ofsted said it will also invite sector representatives to a series of roundtables to gather feedback on the renewed framework.

Responding to suggestions from the Confederation of School Trusts, Ofsted will introduce several additional measures, including:

• All inspection deferral requests to be reviewed by the deputy chief inspector;
• Updated guidance to be developed with input from sector bodies;
• Inspector training materials to remain publicly available on the Ofsted Academy platform;
• A helpline for provider leaders to raise concerns with a senior regional leader;
• An FAQ document and blog updates to address emerging questions and misconceptions.

Webinars will be held in November and December with representatives from each education remit, alongside new sessions being explored for governance bodies including school governors, multi-academy trusts, local authorities and nursery chains.

Ofsted said it will consider requests from providers seeking early inspections under the new framework, though these cannot be guaranteed.

His Majesty’s chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “We’re confident that our reforms will deliver an improved system of education inspection, with real benefits for children and their parents.

“But we’re also serious about giving providers the support they need to engage confidently and fairly with the changes, and ensuring a steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework. I want to reassure everyone that we’re taking every possible measure to provide a consistent and high-quality inspection experience for all, right from the off.”