Inspection

The latest news, analysis and opinion on inspections at schools in the UK and overseas, from updates to inspection frameworks and guidance on how to prepare

Tuesday

4th May 2021

Inspectors examine council plans for grading students
The review will involve councils and ‘a selection of secondary schools’ and is expected to report mid-May

Friday

30th Apr 2021

Exclusive: ‘Unacceptable’ DfE failure over off-rolling
Delay to government consultation on keeping track of children not in school is ‘ridiculous’, says teachers’ leader

Wednesday

28th Apr 2021

‘Requires improvement’ x 3 could mean academisation
Gavin Williamson wants to move schools into multi-academy trusts if they are rated less than ‘good’ in three inspections

Wednesday

21st Apr 2021

Ofsted: Schools ‘behind’ on curriculum during pandemic
Watchdog found ‘more work’ needed on curriculum planning in certain subjects during spring term visits

Monday

19th Apr 2021

How Covid is changing Ofsted inspections: 7 key points
The watchdog is changing the way it inspects schools to take account of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic
Ofsted: No ‘inadequate’ rating if Covid caused failings
Watchdog announces that schools will not be graded as ‘inadequate’ if their problems have been solely caused by Covid
Pupil ban on Ampleforth lifted despite Ofsted concerns
DfE lifts restrictions stopping top private school from taking on new pupils as inspection reveals safeguarding concerns

Wednesday

14th Apr 2021

Schools could be ‘investigated’ over daily worship duty
Schools minister says all schools are required to ensure a collective act of worship takes place every day

Thursday

8th Apr 2021

Ofsted: Sex abuse culture may not be rooted in schools
Many incidents happen in ‘blurred space’ between school and outside world, Ofsted chief inspector says

Wednesday

7th Apr 2021

Ofsted to visit schools at centre of sex abuse scandal
Watchdog’s review into sexual abuse could trigger new school inspections if safeguarding failings are revealed
Teachers back campaign to abolish Ofsted
New Ofsted framework creating ‘unbelievable’ levels of work for teachers, especially for primary schools, conference told

Sunday

4th Apr 2021

School ‘mocksteds’ adding pressure to teacher workloads
Panic over Ofsted’s ‘light touch’ visits next term are adding yet more stress and work to teachers, conference hears