Ofsted introduces new short inspection model
The new short inspection model will see inspections take place once every three years. They will typically last one day and be conducted by one or two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI), with bigger teams for further education colleges.
Inspectors will start from a premise that the school or provider is good and focus on ensuring standards are being maintained. A key part of the new inspections will check that leaders have identified key areas of concerns and recognise the achievements of leaders who are “taking risks, putting themselves out and disseminating good practice beyond their own institution”.
Describing the nature of the new short inspections, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “Make no mistake, this is a very different inspection model to what has gone before.
“The starting assumption of Her Majesty’s Inspectors will be that the school or college is good. This should engender an atmosphere in which honest, challenging, professional dialogue can take place.
“Leaders will have nothing to fear from accurately identifying at the outset any weaknesses in their provision - as well as the strengths - based on their own evaluation. HMI will be looking to see that the leadership has a clear understanding of the key areas for development - and a credible and effective plan for addressing these.
“Short inspections will reduce the burden of inspection without losing the rigour which parents and the public rightly expect of Ofsted.”
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