“The introduction of a nonsensical inspection framework is now compounded by a nonsensical timetable. The idea that schools and colleges can prepare for a complete change in the inspection system on this scale in two months is, frankly, ridiculous. Ofsted and the government must know this and yet are pressing ahead regardless. This decision will pile yet more pressure on the education workforce and shows little care for their wellbeing. How this rushed timetable is supposed to benefit children and parents is anyone’s guess.
“Ofsted’s consultation document made specific reference to taking an approach that ensured a notice period equivalent to one term between the publication of the post-consultation response and the start of the new inspections. This already ambitious timeframe has now been cut in half. It would make far more sense to postpone the introduction of the new inspection system rather than imposing ill-considered reforms on an unprepared education system. It would be even better to start from scratch and come up with a sensible framework such is the mess that Ofsted have made of this.”