Ofsted – new arrangements for short inspections
Ofsted has published new arrangements they say are designed to ensure that short inspections are responsible interventions that minimise the burden on schools. It ran the consultation after receiving feedback that short inspections that immediately convert to full inspections were challenging for schools and inspectors.
Inspectors will continue to convert short inspections into full inspections – usually within 48 hours – if they have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education provided.
If there are no “significant issues” with safeguarding or behaviour, but inspectors have concerns about the quality of education, leadership or management, instead of converting the inspection Ofsted will publish a letter outlining areas for improvement.
A full inspection will then take place within one to two years, to give the school time to address weaknesses. In the meantime, the school’s overall rating will not change.
If inspectors believe a school is moving towards an outstanding judgement, Ofsted will publish a letter confirming the school is still good and setting out how it can improve. A full inspection will then take place in one to two years, but these schools can apply for an early inspection.
Read more here