NASBTT labels Ofsted’s ITE toolkit as ‘underdeveloped’
NASBTT further argues that the Ofsted proposal has some aspects which are difficult to recognise for those who step into the world of primary and secondary phase ITE
The National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT) has warned Ofsted that its proposed initial teacher education (ITE) toolkit to assess teacher training appears to be “underdeveloped” and “imprecise”.
Responding to the “Improving the way Ofsted inspects education” consultation, NASBTT raised concerns about the definition proposed for “Exemplary”: a provider where all evaluation areas are graded as at least secure and, within an evaluation area that is consistently strong, there is a feature of practice that could be considered as exemplary.
In its covering letter to Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, NASBTT wrote: “This indicates that being evaluated as exemplary is not expected to be possible across all or multiple areas of focus – a departure from previous frameworks where, in the ITE sector, high proportions of providers were found to be consistently ‘Outstanding’ (54% in 2024).
“We do argue, however, that this is not, as badged, a five-point scale. It is, actually, a four-point scale or 4+ as mentioned in the consultation (Strong, Secure, Attention Needed, Causing Concern) with Exemplary being reserved for carefully moderated ‘standout’ aspects of practice.”
NASBTT further argues that the Ofsted proposal has some aspects which are difficult to recognise for those who step into the world of primary and secondary phase ITE, with the layout of the toolkit looking as though there was an original intention to “roll” a common definition for “Causing Concern” as is the case for “Exemplary”.
The training association explained that taken as a cumulative whole, the descriptors for Causing Concern highlight such bad practice as to represent inadequacy rather than cause for concern.
In addition, NASBTT also argued that the significance of the role of mentors (and programme tutors) does not appear to feature on a consistent basis throughout the toolkit – for example by the reference to “teachers” rather than the terminology understood across the sector: teacher educators, mentors, co-ordinators, programme tutors.
NASBTT CEO Emma Hollis said: “The concerns outlined above arise from our close analysis of the ITE inspection toolkit which we have offered in our detailed response to that. It is unfortunate that the ITE toolkit was released in such an underdeveloped state. Currently, it presents very much as a ‘Pre-Consultation’ piece of work, and more widely we need to ensure that Ofsted’s proposed five-point scale does not head unintentionally towards a driving test-style evaluation.
“We stand ready to work with Ofsted colleagues to help to redraft the toolkit for ITE so that it fully meets their stated aim of improving how Ofsted inspects this important sector and ‘to take any mystery out of inspection’. We look forward to discussing these issues with Ofsted in greater detail.”