Over two thirds think new Ofsted reforms are ‘worse’, ABC finds

Ofsted’s proposed inspection reforms have proven to be unpopular with teachers and parents as just one in 10 think they are an improvement on the current arrangements while 62% believe they are worse, The Alternative Big Consultation (ABC) has found.

ABC, set up by two former senior HMI, Professor Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE, largely mirrored Ofsted’s own consultation but asked respondents to say whether they thought the proposed changes were fit for purpose. It also gave respondents the chance to consider alternatives to Ofsted’s proposals.

ABC said the results reveal the extent to which the education sector, including parents, are opposed to the inspectorate’s new framework with almost nine in 10 rating all but three of the 13 reforms “unfit, or largely unfit”, for purpose. Respondents also made clear their strong desire for more radical reforms to the way Ofsted inspects.

Ofsted proposals which were rejected and judged unfit, or largely unfit for purpose included: 

• The five point grading scale for reporting inspection findings (90%) 
• Exemplary practice suggestions (92%)
• The inspection toolkit (85%)
• Identifying schools/settings causing concern (85%)
• The changes to how inspections are carried out (89%)
• Changes to monitoring (88%)

The ABC also suggested a range of possible changes to current inspection practice, two of which received near-universal support as essential or worthy of consideration. 

It said 97% of those expressing a view supported the proposal that all early years settings, schools and colleges should have access to a fully independent complaints process outside of Ofsted itself. Similarly, 89% of respondents supported annual safeguarding reviews by an agency other than Ofsted.

There was also very considerable support for other possible components of a modified system. Some 82% believed a system of peer-group review to promote quality assurance within an agreed national framework should be given consideration with 75% agreeing that HMI should play a role in moderating this system. 

Professor Colin Richards said: “These findings clearly show that there needs to be a substantial pause to Ofsted’s plans to introduce their changes in inspection practice from the Autumn. Given the lack of support, there is a strong case for a total re-evaluation of inspection policy and practice by a commission independent of both the Department for Education and Ofsted.

“This should be a wake-up call for the government, let alone for the Chief Inspector. Ofsted’s efforts to rehabilitate itself are faltering. The teaching profession continues to lose faith and confidence in the inspection process. There is a major crisis in the offing should the government and Ofsted force its highly problematic proposals on an unwilling, disaffected teaching profession. The quality of education is being put at risk, as is the sector’s patience and resilience.”

More than 700 leaders, teachers, governors and parents/carers across early years settings, schools and colleges completed the Alternative Big Consultation.