Today’s Education in the Media blog focuses on the new Ofsted framework.
Ofsted Framework
Today, Wednesday 16 January, Ofsted has launched the consultation on its new framework. The news has received broadcast coverage from BBC Breakfast and the Today Programme as well as print and online coverage from the Guardian, the Times, the Independent, the Sun, the Mail and the Telegraph.
The new framework reflects many departmental priorities – such as the importance of the EBacc to a well-rounded education, as well as early literacy. These proposals emphasise the shared vision of Ofsted with the Department going forward.
Another key element mentioned in the framework is the need to combat the issue of ‘off-rolling’. It is not acceptable for schools to remove pupils outside of the formal exclusions system, and we are in the process of a review into exclusions, being led by Edward Timpson.
We want to see all schools provide an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum for their pupils, and Ofsted’s proposed changes will complement our performance measures and our ambition.
Secretary of State for Damian Hinds, said:
Ofsted plays a critical role in our system and its inspection of schools, colleges and early years providers has helped drive up education standards across the country. Their inspections give confidence to parents and provide necessary accountability for institutions.
We have been working closely with Ofsted as it develops this new framework and will continue to do so to make sure we keep raising standards.
Since I took this post a year ago I’ve made cutting down unnecessary and bureaucratic workload my top priority. Accountability is vital. But we know that perceptions of what Ofsted wants have unintentionally contributed to unnecessary workload - so the fact that this framework addresses this is a hugely positive step forward for all our schools.
As we have improved the curriculum and reformed GCSEs and A levels, we have been fully united with Ofsted in our drive to ensure all children and young people benefit from an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum. This framework reflects that approach and our continuing activity around exclusions and ‘off-rolling’.
I welcome this consultation as Ofsted reaches out to teachers, lecturers, early years providers, parents and leaders though the most comprehensive framework development in Ofsted’s history.
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