Ofsted must safeguard its independence

Schools and colleges should be praised for the improvements in the education system reflected in the Ofsted chief inspector’s annual report released today, especially in the context of increased demands and expectations placed on them, says the Association of School and College Leaders. ASCL also highlighted a worrying trend of the inspection body putting undue emphasis on government priorities.

ASCL General Secretary, Brian Lightman said:

“There are clear positive messages in this report showing the impact that schools and colleges are having in raising standards. I am pleased to see a focus in the report on teaching and learning, as Ofsted has a key role in spreading good practice.”   

“I take issue with the implication that pupils in schools serving deprived areas are being let down. Sweeping generalities like this are unhelpful and untrue. Staff in these schools are working flat out to improve the life chances of their pupils. The Ofsted framework stacks the odds against schools in deprived areas because of the importance given to raw results. It is widely accepted that it is more difficult for a school in a deprived area to achieve a high Ofsted grade, even though staff may be excellent and students making impressive gains.”

“We fully support the wish to see all schools and colleges rated good or outstanding, and where there are institutions that are consistently rated satisfactory which have issues to address, it is right that Ofsted works with them to help them improve. However, the root causes for areas of weakness are many and varied and it would be wrong for any politician to call into question the professionalism and dedication of staff in those institutions.”

“It is interesting that the report specifically addresses ‘coasting’ schools, phonics and academy successes, all government priorities. One of the great strengths of Ofsted is its autonomy from the DfE and its ability to objectively assess not only individual institutions but the state of the education system as a whole. I sincerely hope that the incoming chief inspector will make it a priority to safeguard and promote Ofsted’s independence.”

To download the chief inspector’s report, go to www.ofsted.gov.uk/news 

22 November 2011