Ofsted is updating how it inspects schools to make things clearer for parents and fairer for schools. Instead of giving schools a single overall grade like “Good” or “Requires Improvement,” inspectors will now use a report card with a 5-point grading scale across several key areas. There’s more emphasis on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, with special educational needs and/or who are known to children’s social care. This is woven through every area and given its own ‘Inclusion’ category. The areas include:

• Leadership and governance
• Curriculum and teaching
• Attendance and behaviour
• Achievement
• Personal development and wellbeing
• Early years (for Nursery and Reception)
• Inclusion

We will no longer be described as "Outstanding". Instead, grades will range from:

• Exceptional
• Strong standard
• Expected standard
• Needs attention
• Urgent improvement

Safeguarding will be judged separately as either ‘met’ or ‘not met’

The new system is designed to:

• Give parents more detailed and easier-to-understand feedback
• Help schools focus on areas that need improvement
• Recognise excellent practice, especially where schools support vulnerable children
• Reduce pressure on staff by making inspections more collaborative and supportive

There’s also a new online, Ofsted tool called “Explore an Area”, where parents can find key information about schools and childcare in their local area.

These changes follow strong support from parents, with Ofsted saying nearly 9 out of 10 parents think the new report cards will be easier to understand.

Peter Dunmall