| SPOTLIGHT |
Ofsted has this week welcomed the recommendations contained in a recent report by the Education Select Committee (ESC) on the regulator’s work with schools, but warned that implementation of many of them would require “additional funding” from the Government.
The watchdog said that the report had, however, helped in planning its ‘Big Listen’ launched last Friday (8 March).
On 29 January 2024, the Education Select Committee published the report, Ofsted’s work with schools, with the aim of providing recommendations to the Chief Inspector, in light of the challenges he faced following the “intensified public scrutiny and debate” surrounding Ofsted.
The inquiry was launched in June 2023, prior to the conclusion of the inquest into headteacher Ruth Perry’s death.
The report recommended Ofsted review the support mechanisms available to school leaders during and following an inspection and “ensure that these are as strong as possible to support the wellbeing of school leaders”.
Ofsted said: “We are grateful to the Committee for its constructive challenge and recommendations. […] Sir Martyn [Oliver, Chief Inspector] has promised transparency and openness as we work to rebuild and strengthen the confidence of professionals and the public. Our response to the Education Select Committee is an important moment to demonstrate our commitment to these principles.”
The watchdog’s response was clear that implementing the report’s recommendations needs to be discussed within the context of funding constraints.
It explains that, while Ofsted’s role and responsibilities have expanded significantly since 2005, its funding has fallen significantly over the same period, and is now 29% lower in real terms compared with 2009/10.
Ofsted welcomed the committee’s support in recommending additional funding for more in-depth inspections, noting that “the sooner inspectors can diagnose weaknesses and celebrate strengths, the sooner a school can get the support it needs to improve”.
Ofsted warned that meeting the committee’s calls for “deeper and richer inspection” is estimated to cost an additional £8.5 million a year.
The committee’s report recognised the “value and expertise” that experienced inspectors can bring, particularly long-serving HMIs (experienced HM Inspectors). The report’s 11th recommendation was for the watchdog to commission an independent assessment of the factors affecting retention of experienced HMIs and “take appropriate steps to address the issue”.
In response, Ofsted said it does not intend to action this recommendation, as it does not believe this to be a “good use of public money”. It said: “We already have, and continue to build, a clear and strong understanding of the factors that affect HMI recruitment and retention.”
Last Friday Ofsted launched its ‘Big Listen’ – to hear from the people it works for, and the professionals it works with. “The Big Listen will help us to explore what further steps we can take to improve inspection and regulation in the future”, said the watchdog.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver said: “I am committed to running an open and transparent organisation and I welcome the committee’s recommendations. We have already made several positive changes over the last year, and I have promised that we will do more. But we have to accept that anything we do has to be within the budget constraints we have.
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in our Big Listen, to help inform our future direction and make sure all children have the best possible education, care, and life chances.”
Lottie Winson
