theguardian.com
Ofsted Prioritizes School Inclusion in New Inspection System
Ofsted shifts focus to school inclusion, emphasizing the need for schools to cater to all students, not just high achievers, and warning against turning away "difficult" pupils.
English
United Kingdom
UkEducation ReformEducational PolicyInspectionInclusive EducationSchool Accountability
OfstedConfederation Of School Trusts (Cst)National Education Union (Neu)Department For Education (Dfe)
Sir Martyn OliverDaniel KebedeBridget PhillipsonRuth PerryLeora Cruddas
- What is Ofsted's new focus in school inspections?
- Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, announced a new focus on inclusion in school inspections, emphasizing that schools must meet the needs of all local children and not turn away those deemed "difficult". He stressed that schools should not prioritize academic results over the well-being and inclusion of all students.
- How will schools be evaluated under the new inspection system?
- The new inspection system will evaluate schools based on their inclusivity towards local children, penalizing those that turn away pupils based on concerns about their impact on academic results. Ofsted aims to ensure schools provide for diverse student needs and consider factors beyond mere academic performance.
- What are the implications of school behavior policies under the new guidelines?
- Sir Martyn Oliver highlighted the need for flexible and appropriate school behavior policies, stating that while legitimate suspensions and exclusions would not be penalized, high-quality alternative provision for excluded students must be provided. He emphasized the importance of trust leaders reflecting on practices when repeated exclusions occur.
- What concerns were raised by the National Education Union regarding the new inspection focus?
- Daniel Kebede from the National Education Union (NEU) emphasized that Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) need to define what inspecting inclusion entails. He stressed the need for investment in staffing, training, and resources to support inclusive practices in schools.
- What concerns did Sir Martyn Oliver express about the relationship between school leaders and Ofsted inspectors?
- Sir Martyn Oliver expressed concern about the increasingly adversarial relationship between some school leaders and Ofsted inspectors, urging for greater civility and partnership during inspections. He referenced the death of Ruth Perry and the subsequent coroner's report as a contributing factor to this heightened tension.