by Aimee Cartwright
The education sector is undergoing one of its most significant reforms in recent years, with Ofsted proposing a fairer school inspection system that has proven to be extremely controversial.
Today, we’re unpacking Ofsted’s reforms in detail. What are the new proposals, and how do Social Media Checks support schools in meeting these challenging requirements?
What are Ofsted’s New Proposals?
Ofsted’s chief inspector, Martyn Oliver, has announced plans to implement an Ofsted report card that is “fairer and more balanced.”
Years of stress and overwhelm have resulted in the current system being criticised for its intimidating nature – in 2023, headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life after receiving an “inadequate” Ofsted rating.
As a result, the demand for a more comprehensive grading system has only intensified. In response to feedback from the Ofsted Big Listen, the regulatory body is taking action to adapt its current inspection model.
Ofsted’s proposals for the new model include a five-point report card, replacing the former one or two-word judgement/headline. The five grades are: causing concern, attention needed, secure, strong or exemplary, and they will be assigned to key areas including behaviour and attendance, leadership and management, and quality of education.
There will also be a “met” or “not met” section for safeguarding standards.
When a key area is “causing concern”, this may mean the school has:
- Pupils who are lacking the foundations of communication, reading, writing or maths (and this is not tackled quickly or effectively)
- An “unsustainable” staff workload
- A lack of wide, rich experiences for pupils
- A lack of strategic leadership of attendance
- A curriculum that lacks ambition
Ofsted are also implementing:
- Toolkits to tailor inspections to the phase and type of provider
- More support for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and learners
- More emphasis on providers’ circumstances and local context
- Return visits to schools with identified weaknesses
Reactions to Ofsted’s Reforms
Ofsted’s recent reforms have divided the education sector. Whether these changes are a step in the right direction or a concerning instance of history repeating itself depends on who you ask.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson argues the changes will lead to “stronger” and “clearer” inspections. This position is shared by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who believes the new report card will offer a “richer picture” of each school’s strengths and weaknesses.
The removal of one or two-word judgements and the addition of increased SEND support, amongst other important measures, may instil schools with confidence as they come to expect a more universal grading that reflects the nuances of the education sector.
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Julia Waters, the sister of headteacher Ruth Perry, fears the reforms are a “rehash of the discredited and dangerous system it is meant to replace” – though Waters is in favour of the removal of headline grades. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, stated the model is “long past its sell-by-date”, implying greater reform is needed.
Implications for Schools and Educators
On one hand, the lack of single-word judgements allows for more nuanced feedback, making it easier to distinguish between schools that are struggling across the board and those that only need a few key improvements.
Educators may feel they now have a better opportunity to showcase their school’s strengths to Ofsted.
While outstanding schools were previously exempt from regular Ofsted inspections, the new grading system applies to all schools, which could be seen as a fairer approach.
However, the addition of multiple categories also comes with challenges. With the public gaining access to a more detailed review of schools’ performances, teachers may face increased scrutiny.
Another key concern is administration. The new Ofsted grades will most likely require more preparation from schools. This increased administrative burden could cut into valuable teaching time and contribute to overwhelm for teachers.
Finally, though tailored support may be beneficial for schools, the frequent visits associated with this could increase the pressure felt by staff.
How Social Media Checks Can Support Schools
Though headlines will no longer form part of the Ofsted grading system, the “safeguarding” category of the new report only has two potential outcomes: “met” or “not met.”
It’s essential for schools to ensure they are implementing the necessary measures to meet Ofsted’s safeguarding standards and prove to parents and the public that their school is safe for students.
An increasing number of schools are adopting professional Social Media Checks for best practice in safeguarding – particularly after the DfE recommended online searches on teaching job applicants (KCSIE guidelines).
Ofsted inspectors are already recommending professional social media screening to many schools following the publication of these guidelines. The benefits of implementing these checks ahead of your next inspection are endless.
Compliant online background checks allow schools to prioritise students’ safety right from the beginning, ensuring only teachers with a risk-free online presence may join the school. Ultimately, this mitigates risks early in the recruitment process and reduces the chances of your school’s staff engaging in unprofessional behaviour – whether online or in the classroom.
Conclusion
Don’t let weak vetting be the reason your school doesn’t meet Ofsted’s safeguarding requirements.
Join the large community of schools, colleges and universities using our professional Social Media Checks as a powerful tool for vetting candidates at the shortlisting, interview or final selection stage.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us to learn more about our expert Social Media Checks:
Telephone: +44 333 210 1688
Email: info@sp-index.com
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