Ofsted introduces its new inspection framework

Ofsted will start using its new education inspection framework (EIF) from September 2019 for school inspections, following a consultation.

Inspectors will spend less time looking at test data, and more time looking at what is taught and how it is taught. They will consider how a nursery, school, college or other education provider achieves its results.

Ofsted says the new framework will make sure that good results flow from teaching a broad, rich curriculum and reflect real learning, not just intensive preparation for a test.

Schools and other providers will be graded on the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management.

Inspectors will look at how a school contributes to pupils’ broader development, including their character, citizenship and resilience. They will also look at how the school manages behaviour, low-level disruption and bullying, so that parents can be assured that the school is one in which pupils are safe and able to learn.

Inspectors will check that school leaders are behaving with integrity by putting children’s interests first. This includes checking that schools do not enter pupils for qualifications that are inappropriate for the child but that may have a positive impact on the school’s published performance data.

Inspectors will also check that schools are not removing pupils from the school’s roll without a formal, permanent exclusion when this is not in the child’s best interests. We refer to this as ‘off-rolling’.

Ofsted reports will be shorter and clearer. They will tell parents what it’s like to be a child in that school, what the school is doing well and what it could be doing better.

The current grading system of 'outstanding'; 'good'; 'requires improvement'; and 'inadequate' will remain.

Reports explain what behaviour is like at the school, how it tackles bullying, and whether children are learning the things they need to learn to get ahead in life.