Blogs

Debate over Ofsted notice clouds real issue of inspection reform

Inspection advice/guidance
Weeks, days, hours – the debate about how much notice Ofsted should give schools is clouding the real issue of the impact of our punitive inspection regime, says Pete Henshaw.

The age-old debate over the notice period schools should be given before an Ofsted is getting in the way of the vital debate about the structure and function of inspection.

The Ofsted notice period has slowly been diminishing for years. It used to be weeks, and then it was days, and most recently hours – or one afternoon to be precise.

Now the inspectorate is trialling no-notice routine inspections. It is to carry out these unannounced raids throughout the academic year – with 40 due to take place during a two-week window this month.

Of course, inspectors have already the power to swoop unannounced if they have cause for concern, but this new trial is for Section 5 routine visits.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here