Will Ofsted's New 'Report Card' Inspections Improve Schools Amid Backlash?

Ofsted is set to implement a new "report card" system for inspecting schools in England, replacing its previous grading approach that faced significant backlash. This new system, which will be introduced on 10 November, aims to give parents more detailed insights into school performance, but has drawn criticism for potentially harming the wellbeing of educators.

Last updated: 01 November 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Ofsted's new report card system launches on 10 November.
• The system uses a five-point grading scale to assess multiple areas of school performance.
• Critics argue the changes could negatively impact teacher wellbeing and job security.
• There are calls from educators for the rollout to be delayed.
• The report cards aim to provide a more comprehensive view of school performance.

Background on Ofsted's Grading System

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) has been the watchdog for educational standards in England since its establishment in 1992. Traditionally, it utilised a simple grading system that ranked schools as "outstanding", "good", "requires improvement", or "inadequate". However, this system has been heavily criticised for its perceived harshness and the stress it places on teachers and school leaders.

In particular, the tragic case of head teacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life in early 2023 following an Ofsted inspection, has catalysed a significant rethink within the organisation. The coroner ruled that the inspection contributed to her death, prompting Ofsted to scrap its previous grading system in favour of a more nuanced approach.

Introducing the New Report Card System

Under the new system, schools will be evaluated using a five-point grading scale: "exceptional", "strong standard", "expected standard", "needs attention", or "urgent improvement". This approach aims to provide a more detailed overview of school performance across various areas, including teaching quality, pupil behaviour, and the overall school environment.

Additionally, the report cards will feature sections assessing safeguarding measures, the experiences of students, and the next steps for school improvement. This information is intended to enhance transparency for parents and give schools a clearer path towards improvement.

What Will Change with the New System?

Ofsted has stated that the new report cards will include:

• A five-point grading scale across multiple metrics.
• Detailed information on safeguarding and student experiences.
• Guidance on future improvements needed by the school.
• Faster re-inspections for schools that address identified shortcomings.

These changes are designed to shift the focus away from a binary grading system to a more comprehensive evaluation that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.

Concerns Over Teacher Wellbeing

Despite the positive intentions behind the new system, many educators have voiced concerns over its potential impact on teacher wellbeing. Prominent figures, including Prof Julia Waters, sister of Ruth Perry, have argued that the report card system poses risks to the health of teachers and school leaders. Critics believe that the new grading system could perpetuate a culture of public shaming and high-stakes consequences that was present in the old system.

In a joint letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, various educational leaders emphasised that Ofsted "failed to learn the lessons" from previous tragedies. They argue that the high-pressure environment created by rigorous inspections could lead to further mental health crises within the profession.

What Educators Are Saying

Leaders from several teaching unions have expressed their dissatisfaction with the impending changes:

• Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU): Criticised the new system as "more pressure" and "more labels."
• Paul Whiteman from the NAHT: Stated that Ofsted is "perpetuating a high-stakes punitive regime" for educators.
• Pepe Di'lasio from the ASCL: Warned that the rushed implementation would increase stress on school leaders.
• David Hughes, Chief Executive of the AoC: Acknowledged some positive changes but raised concerns about the speed of the rollout.

The Role of the Education Secretary

In response to the criticisms, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has defended the new report card system, asserting that it is crucial for ensuring that every child receives a quality education. She stated that the new system would encourage stronger accountability and provide parents with the transparency they deserve regarding school performance.

Phillipson explained that the report cards would not only assess academic performance but also consider factors such as attendance, behaviour, and inclusion. She believes this comprehensive approach will help identify schools in need of support and improve overall educational standards.

Government Initiatives for School Improvement

The Department for Education has announced plans to deploy new regional improvement teams to assist 377 schools identified as needing support. These teams will work closely with schools that have received consecutive negative assessments from Ofsted, aiming to facilitate improvements and enhance educational outcomes.

Furthermore, Ofsted is reportedly committed to reassessing the impact of its new system on teacher wellbeing, as indicated by an independent assessment commissioned by the agency. This review highlights the importance of reducing high-stakes accountability within the inspection framework and promoting supportive measures for educators facing poor evaluations.

The Future of School Inspections in England

As Ofsted prepares for the launch of its new report card system, the education sector remains divided. While some stakeholders believe the changes will foster a more supportive and comprehensive evaluation of schools, others worry about the enduring pressure on educators and the potential for negative outcomes.

The coming months will likely reveal whether the new system will successfully strike a balance between accountability and the wellbeing of teachers. The ongoing discourse surrounding these changes reflects a broader concern about the pressures faced by educators in the UK and the importance of creating a supportive environment for teaching and learning.

In light of these developments, how can educational stakeholders work together to ensure that accountability does not come at the expense of teacher wellbeing? #Ofsted #SchoolAccountability #TeacherWellbeing

FAQs

What is the new report card system introduced by Ofsted?

The new report card system is a comprehensive evaluation method that grades schools on a five-point scale across various areas of performance, aiming to provide a detailed overview of school quality.

When will the report card system be implemented?

The report card system is set to be implemented on 10 November 2023, following a consultation period earlier this year.

What are the concerns regarding the new system?

Critics argue that the new system may exacerbate pressure on teachers and school leaders, potentially harming their mental health, similar to previous accountability measures.

How does the new grading scale differ from the old system?

The new grading scale includes five categories: "exceptional", "strong standard", "expected standard", "needs attention", and "urgent improvement", contrasting with the previous binary grading system.

What support will be available for schools under the new system?

The Department for Education will deploy regional improvement teams to assist schools identified as needing support, particularly those with consecutive negative assessments from Ofsted.