Ofsted’s trial inspections of schools from the first week of next term will be testing out new toolkits that are set to be part of the next inspection framework, Tes understands.
The trial inspections are set to run for several weeks until Ofsted launches its official consultation on its new framework towards the end of January.
Findings from these trial inspections of volunteer schools will not be published as they are part of Ofsted’s informal engagement ahead of the consultation launch.
The schools watchdog announced last week that it will use these trials to “informally test elements” of its new inspection framework, which is due to be introduced in September 2025.
Ofsted trials inspection system
Tes understands that the trials will include trialling aspects of new inspection ‘toolkits’, which will describe in more detail what the inspectorate expects to see from schools on inspection. These expectations will be based on both statutory and non-statutory guidance and on what Ofsted regards as the best available evidence.
Tes revealed earlier this year that Ofsted has been developing a new toolkit for schools as part of its new inspection framework, which will be specifically adapted to meet the needs of special schools and alternative provision (AP).
Ofsted is aiming for the toolkit to provide clear criteria for inspections and support leaders in self-evaluating their practice.
This aim was previously set out by Ofsted in its response to the Big Listen consultation, when it committed to providing a set of “rubrics” for inspection. The watchdog is now describing this information as a toolkit for schools that will accompany the new inspection framework.
Adam Sproston, Ofsted’s HMI (His Majesty’s inspector) for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision, told a Tes Trusts in Education event last month that the toolkit would include appropriate modifications for the inspection of special schools and AP.
Ofsted is set to launch its new inspection framework, which will be used as it moves to a report card system, from September 2025.
Proposals for the new report card system were leaked last month to the Financial Times. These draft proposals included schools being judged across 10 different categories with a five-point scale.
Tes revealed earlier last month that sector leaders had been shown draft plans to separate teaching and curriculum into individual inspection categories, prompting concerns among those who had seen the initial proposals.
‘It makes no sense’
Ofsted’s decision to trial aspects of its planned new inspection framework before the consultation on it is launched sparked a warning from Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, last week.
“It makes no sense for Ofsted to start trialling a new approach to inspection before it has even launched its consultation,” said Mr Whiteman.
And Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, also questioned how “genuine and open a consultation exercise really is if Ofsted will be simultaneously piloting their preferred approach”.
Speaking to Tes today, ASCL’s general secretary Pepe Di’lasio said: “While it is right to carry out trials of the new system, we are concerned that these will be taking place before the consultation has been completed.
“Feedback from the consultation must be fully taken into account and changes made where necessary. We would urge the government and Ofsted not to rush this important stage.”
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