Frank Norris MBE. Frank is a Forum Strategy Associate, former CEO of the Co-op Academies Trust, and a former Ofsted Inspector.
Following months of increasing pressure from all sectors in English education and a recent meeting between the Secretary of State and the family of Ruth Perry, Ofsted has announced a series of adaptations to its inspection procedures. Some will begin immediately while others are to begin in September.
The proposals are un-tested and it will be interesting to gauge how far they go in rebuilding the significant loss of confidence many feel about the inspection process and the way it plays into the national accountability system. It is hugely disappointing that the announcements made today include no mention of the concerns around the single word Overall Effectiveness judgement and a willingness by Ofsted to reflect on their current approach to inspection which gives little attention to some of the most pressing issues being faced by many, namely recruitment and retention of staff, budgets and levels of morale.
So, what do today’s announcements mean for trusts and schools?