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4mo ago

Calls Grow to Delay Ofsted Reforms as Consultation Ends

Education leaders and experts warn proposed changes could worsen stress and harm among school staff, urging the government to refine plans before implementation.

Before her death, Ruth Perry told her sister that Ofsted’s rating of Caversham Primary, in Reading, as inadequate had been “preying on her mind constantly for 54 days”
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Overview

  • Professor Julia Waters, sister of late headteacher Ruth Perry, and over 30 education professionals have called for a delay in implementing Ofsted's proposed inspection reforms.
  • The proposed reforms include replacing single-word judgments with colour-coded report cards and plans to end ungraded inspections of state-funded schools.
  • Critics argue the reforms fail to address systemic issues highlighted by a coroner's findings and could perpetuate stress and ill health among educators.
  • An alternative consultation poll found nine in ten respondents rejected the proposed five-point grading scale, with many deeming it unfit for purpose.
  • Ofsted’s director of strategy acknowledged the need to simplify the proposed grading approach, while the government has pledged to consider all feedback before finalizing changes.