The Ofsted School Inspection Handbook has undergone significant changes for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a pivotal shift in the assessment of UK educational institutions. This article explores the key updates that will impact schools and teachers, providing a concise analysis of each change and its implications.
1. Removal of overall effectiveness grade
The elimination of the overall effectiveness grade for state-funded schools during graded inspections represents a major shift. This change aims to provide a more nuanced view of a school's performance across various domains, acknowledging the complexity of educational institutions.
2. Changes to inspection notification
Both graded and ungraded inspections will now be notified from 9:30 am on the Monday of the inspection week. This change balances the need for preparation with maintaining the integrity of inspections, aiming to capture a more authentic picture of school life.
3. New 'suspend and return' policy
Ofsted has introduced a 'suspend and return' policy, allowing inspectors to pause an inspection if safeguarding issues are identified as the sole concern. This approach prioritises child safety and gives schools time to address critical issues before the inspection resumes.
4. Enhanced single central record guidance
The handbook now offers clearer guidance on Single Central Record requirements for maintained schools and academies. This clarity aims to streamline the inspection process and ensure all institutions meet appropriate safeguarding standards.
5. Refined ungraded inspections
Ungraded inspections will now focus specifically on determining whether the school has maintained the standards identified in the previous inspection. This targeted approach provides schools with clear, actionable feedback on their progress.
6. Tiered support system
A more nuanced system for schools requiring improvement has been introduced:
- Schools with one or more 'requires improvement' judgements may be subject to monitoring.
- Schools where any key judgement is graded inadequate or safeguarding is judged ineffective will be placed in a formal category of concern.
7. Clarification on qualifying complaints
The handbook now clearly defines what constitutes a 'qualifying complaint' and how inspectors consider these during preparation. This change aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the inspection process.
8. Guidance for early career teachers
New guidance has been added regarding the appointment of early career teachers in schools judged to require special measures. This aims to balance support for struggling schools with ensuring appropriate mentorship for new teachers.
9. Enhanced inspection process transparency
Inspectors may now discuss their reflections on evidence with leaders during end-of-day team meetings. This fosters a more open dialogue between inspectors and school leadership, potentially reducing post-inspection disputes.
10. Clarified urgent inspection timings
While the notice period for urgent inspections remains unchanged, additional timings have been added for clarity. This ensures Ofsted can respond swiftly to serious concerns while providing schools with a clear understanding of the process.
Primary and secondary school considerations
While most changes apply universally, there are some key distinctions:
- The removal of the overall effectiveness grade applies to all state-funded schools.
- Primary schools will see minor clarifications in the 'good early years' grade descriptors.
- Changes also apply to post-16 provision in secondary schools with sixth forms.
Conclusion: A new era for Ofsted inspections
These changes represent a significant evolution in Ofsted's approach, moving towards a more nuanced, supportive and collaborative inspection process. Schools and teachers across the UK should familiarise themselves with these updates to prepare for future inspections.
Learn more about how the Ofsted framework changes that might impact classroom teaching and learn essential strategies to thrive in our blog article: Impact of 2024 Ofsted changes: Strategies for success.
