Ofsted has revealed what new report playing cards for faculties may appear like – because the sister of a headteacher who took her personal life says the proposals are a “rehash” of a “dangerous” system.
One-word grades have been scrapped by the federal government after Ruth Perry’s loss of life in 2023 following the downgrading of her Caversham Main College in Studying from “outstanding” to “inadequate”.
Faculties in England may as an alternative be judged throughout a wide range of completely different areas – together with attendance and inclusion – utilizing a colour-coded five-point scale.
However Mrs Perry’s sister Professor Julia Waters stated: “I am worried that this proposal is a rehash of the discredited and dangerous system it is meant to replace.”
Picture:
Ofsted change is ‘vindication’, says sister of headteacher Ruth Perry
She stated whereas the brand new mannequin has some enhancements, it “retains many of the dangerous features of the previous system, while introducing a series of changes with potential new risks to the wellbeing of teachers and headteachers”.
“My sister Ruth Perry died as the result of a rude and intimidating Ofsted inspection, and its disproportionate consequences on her and her school,” she stated.
“Ofsted says it has listened, but it still does not appear to have adequately learned.”
Schooling Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated she recognises the “tragedy of Ruth Perry’s death and the impetus for change her sister has brought to the system”, including she has spoken to Prof Waters in regards to the want for Ofsted reform.
“On the report cards in particular, I think parents are more than able to understand and take on greater information about what’s happening within their children’s school, both in terms of strengths but in terms of weakness and where there’s further work required on improvements,” she stated.
The minister stated she “fundamentally rejects” the concept that dad and mom don’t wish to know extra about areas in want of enchancment, in addition to “where there is excellence”.
Picture:
Report card proposal. Pic: Ofsted
A 12-week session on the inspection course of for faculties educating pupils of all ages, together with additional schooling establishments, was launched on Monday.
The proposals embody a brand new report card format to exchange the single-word grade system, the place faculties got an “Outstanding”, “Good”, “Requires Improvement”, or “Inadequate” score.
As a substitute, judgements will probably be made utilizing a 1-5 grading system utilizing the phrases: “Exemplary”, “Strong”, “Secure”, “Attention Needed”, and “Causing Concern”.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:29
Is new Ofsted system ‘harmful’?
The earlier judgements will stay legitimate till faculties endure one other inspection below the brand new mannequin.
Safeguarding will probably be assessed as a standalone class and will probably be categorized as both met or not met.
The variety of inspection areas in faculties will develop from 4 to 9, or ten for these with a sixth kind.
Beneath the brand new proposal, the areas of inspection will probably be Achievement, Attendance, Behaviour and Attitudes, Curriculum, Creating Educating, Inclusion, Management and Governance, Private Growth and Nicely-Being, Sixth Type, and Safeguarding.
Ofsted has already began coaching inspectors to facilitate the modifications for the brand new type inspections.
Chief inspector of Ofsted Sir Martyn Oliver stated: “The new report card will give parents a clearer picture, while helping schools focus on meaningful improvements.
“We are going to guarantee that we ship for fogeys no matter what we do.
“Our mission is to improve education for all children, particularly the most disadvantaged.”
However Daniel Kebede, basic secretary of the Nationwide Schooling Union, stated Sir Martyn “has failed to deliver”.
“The proposals outlined in today’s consultation will make matters worse, not better,” he stated.
“The secretary of state was right to remove one-word judgements, because she recognised the damage that they cause.
“As a substitute, the 1 to five grading scale proposed for the report card maintains the present blunt, reductive strategy that can’t seize the complexity of faculty life nor present extra significant info to folks.”
