Agenda item

The Committee considered a report and presentation by the School Leadership Advisor which provided members with information relating to the new Ofsted Education Framework (for copy see file of Minutes).

The School Leadership Advisor reported that the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) came into effect from 2 September 2019 following extensive consultation, and changed the way Ofsted inspected schools, FES institutions and Early Years settings. The presentation addressed:

·        The main changes

·        Key Threads in the EIF

·        Inspector’s judgements

·        Gradings

·        The Ofsted Report

Councillor Crute referred to the funding regime and expressed concern about reducing teacher numbers in schools which were struggling financially and the increasing workloads of those remaining. He accepted that Ofsted had no involvement in the funding regime, which was the responsibility of the Department for Education but asked if a school’s financial circumstances was a consideration in an Ofsted judgement. The School Leadership Advisor stated that the new Framework provided an opportunity for the Ofsted Inspector to engage with schools during inspections to discuss matters such as financial circumstances and teacher numbers.

Following a question from Councillor Kennedy about the use of ‘gaming’  which she considered was a means to give children with behavioural issues a fresh start, the School Leadership Advisor clarified what was meant by gaming by Ofsted.

Councillor Jewell considered that the inspection process should be supportive and able to identify good practice, helping schools improve performance. The member asked how the Framework would achieve this. The member was informed that the new Framework enabled the Inspectors to engage in quality dialogue with Headteachers about the children in their schools. Good practice guidance for schools would be published.

Mrs Norman referred to the changes to gradings and how this would be communicated to the public. The members were informed that this had not been determined to date but Ofsted recognised the importance of good communication, particularly as fewer providers would be deemed to be outstanding. The barre had been raised with the new gradings.  

Councillor Brookes noted that the new inspection regime would not rely on performance data to the same extent. However he considered that parents would look at data when making school choices. The School Leadership Advisor acknowledged that data would be considered by parents but the new Ofsted report would be more accessible and clearer, and would include information that would assist parents to make informed school choices.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be received.