Current Ofsted grading system should be reviewed, says CST

The Confederation of School Trusts (CST) has published a discussion paper, with ten proposals to reform inspections.

The CST suggests that government should work with the range of stakeholders and the inspectorate to consider how the complexity of school quality and performance can be captured more effectively and with more sophistication.

They also suggest that Ofsted should urgently commissions research into the validity and reliability of its inspection framework, and that there should be a comprehensive review of the current grading system.
    
Ofsted should also make it clearer how the inspection methodology includes the use of achievement data, and the paper recommends that Ofsted periodically reviews and publishes an analysis of the relationship between achievement data and inspection outcomes.
    
It also suggests that Ofsted’s complaints process should be improved, including an independent oversight with the capacity to re-open inspection judgements in appropriate circumstances.
   
The CST also recommends that Ofsted provides clearer and more consistent engagement with trust staff, positioning them as part of the school rather than something external. This should be more clearly described in the handbook.

The CST says that these proposals are offered as a stimulus for discussion at this stage rather than being firm CST positions.