The Department for Education has pushed back against an Ofsted’s report highlighting the financial pressure facing schools by saying it is based on a “very small and unrepresentative sample”.
The inspectorate has produced a major new report today on how schools are responding to financial pressure based on findings from a survey, interviews and school visits.
However, the new report is being criticised for drawing on a small sample of schools by both the DfE and a high-profile headteachers’ campaign group.
Ofsted warns that 42 per cent of primary heads and 48 per cent of secondary heads expect their schools to be in debt by the end of the year.
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The report also reveals that three-quarters of schools that took part in an Ofsted survey said that funding pressures were affecting recruitment and retention of staff. It also includes warnings from heads that the current workload being caused by funding gaps is not sustainable.
Despite this, the DfE has issued a statement that dismisses the significance of the Ofsted findings.
A spokesperson for the department said: “This report is based on a very small and unrepresentative sample of schools.
“We recognise schools have faced cost pressures in recent years. That is why we are providing the biggest funding boost for schools in a decade, giving every school more money for every child.
“This means that every school in the country will see per-pupil funding rise at least in line with inflation next year, with all secondary schools receiving a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year, while all primary schools will get a minimum of £4,000 from 2021-22 - with the biggest increases going to the schools that need it most.”
The report included the findings of Ofsted’s survey with headteachers, which received 201 complete responses. The inspectorate also carried out 18 interviews with school leaders and carried out 16 research visits to schools.
The size of the sample has also been questioned by Jules White, the coordinator of the Worth Less? campaign.
He has already called on Ofsted’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman to apologise or resign over a claim she has made in a blog about school finances in which she suggested schools could squander any additional funding they receive.
Ofsted published its research report into school finances today following controversy over the blog earlier this week.
Commenting on the report, Mr White said: “I note that Ofsted is using as evidence a survey that consisted of just over 200 survey responses and 16 visits of schools.
“Where is the reliable evidence for an HMCI to support such insulting claims?”
