In January 2023 CST published a discussion paper, ‘Navigating uncertainty: a future direction for Ofsted’. We set out some key concepts that inspection must navigate, including autonomy and control, validity and reliability, and inference and consistency. In this paper we build on this initial conceptual framing to offer some policy ideas which might be considered in relation to inspection. Again, these are offered as a stimulus for discussion at this stage rather than being firm CST positions.
In January 2023 CST published a discussion paper, ‘Navigating uncertainty: a future direction for Ofsted’. We set out some key concepts that inspection must navigate, including autonomy and control, validity and reliability, and inference and consistency. In this paper we build on this initial conceptual framing to offer some policy ideas which might be considered in relation to inspection. Again, these are offered as a stimulus for discussion at this stage rather than being firm CST positions.
Summary of proposals
- Government should work with the range of stakeholders and the inspectorate to consider how the complexity of school quality and performance can be captured more effectively and with more sophistication. This could include a new online portal for school quality and performance to be explored, treating parents, schools and the state as partners in the process.
- Ofsted should urgently commission research into the validity and reliability of its inspection framework.
- There should be a comprehensive review of the current grading system, in conjunction with proposals 1 and 2 above.
- Ofsted should provide reassurance to stakeholders who are concerned that pupil achievement is underplayed in some inspections by making clearer how the inspection methodology includes the use of achievement data.
- Ofsted should periodically review and publish an analysis of the relationship between achievement data and inspection outcomes.
- Ofsted should calibrate the pace and scope of its curriculum publications with the capacity issues schools are facing in a post-pandemic world.
- Care should be taken to sufficiently insulate Ofsted’s observations about the quality of curriculum at scale from its inspection practice on the ground, so that very specific aspects of curriculum design in schools don’t inappropriately determine inspection outcomes.
- Ofsted should publish its curriculum aide-memoirs.
- Ofsted’s complaints process should be improved, including an independent oversight with the capacity to re-open inspection judgements in appropriate circumstances.
- Ofsted should provide clearer and more consistent engagement with trust staff, positioning them as part of the school rather than something external. This should be more clearly described in the handbook.
Download the full discussion paper for a supporting explanation for these proposals.
