This post is now out of date. Please read our new post on inspection timescales which we published in June 2023.
There’s been some speculation about the timing of inspections, particularly of the new short inspections, and I understand that some schools may be anxious about where they are.
When we introduced short inspections of good schools in September 2015, we moved from a cycle in which these schools were fully inspected on average every three years and seven months, to one where we aim to visit them approximately every three years. This will help us to identify decline earlier or give good schools the opportunity to demonstrate improvement sooner.
Transitional year
However, with this academic year being a transitional one, it means that we will not be in the ‘three-year cycle’ for all good schools straight away – we will be moving towards it. Therefore, the first short inspection for a good school is likely to fall more than three years after its last inspection. However, statute dictates that this cannot go beyond the end of the fifth academic year after the previous inspection.
Please remember though that it’s best not to try to predict the date of your inspection based on when the last one took place and sometimes, Ofsted will inspect very soon after your last inspection if we have concerns.
Schools requiring improvement
Schools judged as Requires Improvement will be re-inspected under section 5 of the Act (‘full inspection’) and this could be up to 30 months after the publication of the previous report.
Recently appointed headteachers of schools judged to require improvement and those who may have questions/concerns about the scheduling of their next inspection may write to the relevant Ofsted Regional Director to set out the context of their school’s present position. Any decision on the timing of the inspection will be for the Regional Director.
Focus on the children
That said, we do not expect schools to start planning and preparing for inspection. Our inspectors want to see leaders and teachers doing what they do well on a daily basis. Some of my colleagues have been reiterating this in a series of #OfstedMyths videos – rather than preparing for the process of an Ofsted inspection, just focus on what’s best for the pupils.
142 comments
Comment by M Tomlinson posted on
You may suggest that schools do not behave differently, but school leaderships team punish teachers who do not follow the strange and unnecessary suggestions put forward. In the attempt to get consistent marking across the school, we have to mark in the same manner, so a science teacher marks a piece of work in the same way as an English teacher, although they are looking for different thing. Another issue is the insistence on an even better if statement, which excellent and hardworking students find dispiriting if an amazing piece of work has an extra chore added, even one that I would consider a step too far, because Ofsted demand that the marking must be consistent. Do your inspectors realise that a comment like that will drive the SLT in a school into a frenzy.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
M Tomlinson: Ofsted does not expect a certain type and a certain amount of marking. It is for schools to make a decision about their marking based on what works best for their pupils and to put this into their policy. Inspectors will look to see that teachers are marking as set out in the policy, and they'll be looking to see that it's effective.
Thanks for letting us know - we will continue to clarify areas like this where there are misconceptions.
Comment by James Rouse posted on
I think there can be situations where senior leadership teams use Ofsted as a lever to drive change when, in fact, they should have the confidence to make decisions and communicate these based on what is best for the child. In my school, we have a very short (2-sided) policy which states the principles of effective feedback and marking, but not the actual practice. This is translated into "Policy to Practice" documents by subject teams who decide for themselves what effective feedback looks like in their subject. The head of department and the senior leadership team's role is simply to monitor whether subject teams are doing what THEY say they want to do. It seems counter-intuitive that drama would give feedback in the same way as English, PE or History. The impact has been that feedback has become much more effective and manageable.
Comment by Susan Hetheridge posted on
I was wondering if there is a more parent friendly version of the Ofsted report database ( https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ )? I find it very difficult to know exactly what criteria to use to find a particular establishment.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Susan: We are working on developing our reports website and will let you know through this blog.
Comment by Jacqui Edgar posted on
As Sandcross Primary schools's last report was done over 4 years ago, can you tell me please if another is mminent? Thank you (We are looking for a school for our child/grandchild very shortly...
Comment by Yasmeen Lulat posted on
Is there an absolute maximum time within which a primary will be re inspected? Leanne
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
The regulations set the interval for section 5 inspections ‘within five school years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place.’
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
The regulations set the interval for section 5 inspections ‘within five school years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place.’ I cannot tell you when the inspection will be, I'm afraid.
Comment by David Hill posted on
Would a school receiving very low sats results warrant an ofsted inspection to investigate why they are under achieving
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Dave, thanks for your query. I'll ask someone in the policy team and see if I can get you an answer.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Dave,
We wouldn't necessarily go in if results dipped in a single year. This can happen, e.g. in schools with small cohorts.
We look at trends in performance over time. If however results dropped significantly and we became aware of other issues or concerns, that might influence the timing of the next inspection.
Comment by Rebecca Pickering posted on
Hi there,
Re. Tendring Primary
Our school was classed as 'outstanding' in 2008
Since then our head has left and our children are no longer getting a good standard of education as the school is not being well led in my opinion. After looking around this website I understand we should have at least had a five yearly inspection? It's been over eight years, surely no school should be ignored for this amount of time?
Regards,
Rebecca
Comment by Prefer not to leave name as I work in this school. posted on
If a school hasn't been inspected for 10 years and a new head appointed Sept 15 when will the next inspection be?
Comment by Claire Cox posted on
What happens to schools that were outstanding at their last Ofsted? I teach at a school that gained outstanding 6 years ago however the head has changed so much that I think the school would now fail an Ofsted . Parents consider the school outstanding when it most certainly is not. When will Ofsted visit please?
Comment by Ashish Sharma posted on
Dear comms team,
I understand that inspections are due in 5 years by law.
Is there someone I can send a reminder to that my neighbourhood primary school (URN: 101296) last had its inspection in 2008? Or would you know why it does not need inspections?
Thanks
Comment by sam mc posted on
if a school got 'needs improvement' at their last inspection. how long would it be till a new inspection is done? tia
Comment by LisaB posted on
My daughters school Oakworth Primary last had a full ofsted inspection in January 2007 so over 10 years ago! Although I understand you can't tell me if an inspection is imminent, I would appreciate your comments on the large gap in inspections and whether this is normal? I see from comments above that regulations state a school should receive an inspection every 5 years max and we are well past this now. Can a school be missed?
Comment by Elf posted on
I am wanting to know what the maximum time between official Ofsted inspections are. My primary school had a School inspection in 2003, it then had a Reduced tariff school inspection in 2008, and finally a Interim Assessment statement in 2011. This leads me to conclude that my child's primary school has not received an actual visit since Jan 2008. A total of 9 years without anyone from Ofsted visiting the site. Again I ask what is the current official maximum time limit between actual site visits/full inspections. Is this school well overdue for a full inspection regardless of performance stats.
Comment by Mrs UninSpected posted on
My school hasn't had an ofsted visit since 2006...
Comment by Penny Johnson posted on
Should a school undergo an Ofsted inspection within the first twelve months of a new head teacher being in post?
Comment by Concerned Teacher posted on
It has been suggested at my school that despite being inspected Feb 2016 and judged as good (one day visit) because a new ht was appointed Jan 2017 we will be inspected in 12 months time. Reading your website the indication is that in all likelihood it would be three years? Are we being misinformed?
Comment by Steve posted on
I have a family member at an academy sponsored school, our sponsor was rated 'outstanding' in 2009 but haven't been inspected since, how can you be confident that they are still 'outstanding' without carrying out an inspection within the 5 years timescale you mentioned above?
Comment by Daniele posted on
Hi. I was wondering what the inspection timeframes are for a creche on non domestic property? They scored 'good' in 2005 and now there are no more reports to be read about the creche my daughter is at and its 2017?? This seems too long seeing as they have children 0-3. I feel children as vulnerable as that need to have annual inspections of their providers.
Comment by Sbu posted on
Hi. My daughter's primary school had its last Ofsted inspection in November 2011. When is the next inspection due, as it now has been close to 5 and a half years since the last one?
Comment by Sarah Allison posted on
Are there any plans for a Religious Education report following on from 'Religious education: Realising the Potential' (2013)?
Comment by Robin Haselgrove posted on
Outstanding schools? Do they ever get Inspected? My local school was last inspected 7 years ago! ?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, many apologies for the late response. In answer to your query - the information on Ofsted’s website is correct, once a school has received its first short inspection, further short inspections will be conducted at approximately three-year intervals.
However, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector retains the right to inspect any school at any time if it has sufficient concerns, or if the secretary of state request for us to do so.
For further information about short inspections of good schools please see the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, apologies for the delay in responding. In answer to your query - it is possible for inspections to take place a year following the appointment of a new headteacher. The inspection is considers all aspects of the school, including leadership and management across the school and the governance of the school. A new headteacher would not in itself be a trigger for an inspection, nor would it delay an inspection taking place.
However, some schools qualify for an improvement period. These only apply where headteachers who took up headship after the school was judged ‘require improvement’. These schools will be re-inspected in no later than 30 months. This is set out in the Department for Education’s white paper, Educational excellence everywhere.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi - apologies for the late response. In answer to your query - Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi - sorry about the delay in responding. In answer to your query - Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi - sorry about the delay in responding. In answer to your query - Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi - sorry about the delay in responding. In answer to your query - a school judged as ‘requires improvement’ may be monitored by Ofsted and will normally have a full (section 5) re-inspection after around 2 years.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, sorry about the delay in responding. Regulations stipulate that Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, since 2012, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Schools can request inspections and any interested party can write to Ofsted with their views on a school.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, apologies for the delay in responding. Some categories of schools judged outstanding at their most recent inspection are exempt from routine inspection (section 5), although they can be inspected under section 8 if Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector or the Secretary of State for Education has concerns about performance. They may also be inspected as part of Ofsted’s survey work.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
In response to your question if a schools has not been inspected in ten years, it is because it was outstanding at its last inspection and is therefore exempt from routine inspection. If Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) or the Secretary of State has concerns about the performance of an exempt school (or any other school covered by section 5), HMCI has powers to inspect it at any time under section 8 of the Act.
Outstanding schools do not qualify for improvement periods for new headteachers. This is only for schools judged to ‘require improvement’, where a new headteacher joins the school after the section 5 judgement. In this case the school will be re-inspected no later than 30 months after the publication of the previous report.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. At present Ofsted doesn't have any plans to produce a Religious Education report in the near future.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, sorry for the late reply. to answer your query - providers registered on the Early Years Register are inspected at least once in every cycle. There have been two inspection cycles since this provider’s 2005 inspection. However, if the provider is only registered on the Childcare Register they will not be inspected unless they are selected as part of a 10% sample that we inspect every year.
Comment by JSpalding posted on
Hi. I am just wondering why my children's school in St Nicholas at wade has not been ofsteded for nearly 10 years, even after a new head has gone in. I would be very surprised if it was still outstanding!
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hello, We can't say when the next inspection is due because it depends on a number of factors, i.e previous grade, whether the school has converted to academy status or been rebrokered.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Rebeccca, Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Robin, Some categories of schools judged outstanding at their most recent inspection are exempt from routine inspection (section 5), although they can be inspected under section 8 if Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector or the Secretary of State for Education has concerns about performance. They may also be inspected as part of Ofsted’s survey work.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Some categories of schools judged outstanding at their most recent inspection are exempt from routine inspection (section 5), although they can be inspected under section 8 if Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector or the Secretary of State for Education has concerns about performance. They may also be inspected as part of Ofsted’s survey work.
Comment by Anon posted on
My school went into special measures in Nov 2014; the report was published Jan 2015. It then became an Academy in August 2015 and therefore is in effect a different school with no Ofsted rating. How much longer before we will be inspected? It is a very different and much improved school from the one that was inspected back in 2014.
Comment by Cate O posted on
Countesthorpe Leysland Community College has converted to an academy, however the ofstead report gives it an outstanding rating. This was done in 2013 and Leysland High School was outstanding. However Countesthorpe Community College has always had problems. Recently I have heard that a lot of teachers have been unhappy and left. We need to decide on a high school by the end of October of this year for our daughter. How can we know what is happening at this academy? Will there be a new ofstead inspection?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection. However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection. We can't say when the next inspection is due because it depends on a number of factors.
Comment by frankrom posted on
Many comments are from parents that their children' "outstanding" schools haven't been inspected for much longer than the standard 5 years for "good" schools or lower. It's understood that these schools are exempt from section 5 of the Education Act - but the question is, how long are they exempt for? Is there an upper limit? Or does Ofsted cease to inspect a school once it's been classified as "Outstanding" and the Chief Inspector or Secretary of State for Education have no concerns about it? What is the rationale based on which an "Outstanding" school is assumed to remain "Outstanding" for an indefinite period of time? Isn't this penalising for the children attending that school, in case the school's performance drops considerably during the years with no inspections?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, As this school has become an academy, it will be classified as a new sponsored academy and therefore inspected as a new school in its third year of operation; that will be sometime within the 2017/18 academic year.
Comment by Missmoss posted on
I understand that guidance says an inspection of a primary school rated good at the last inspection, and having not changed to an academy, would be within 5 academic years. Does this mean, if a school was inspected Sept 2012, it's next inspection would need to be before the end of July 2017 or the end of July 2018?
Comment by Dr Smith posted on
My daughter is due to attend Beaconsfield High School in September, However parents of existing pupils are telling me that standards, particularly in mathematics have fallen, and that for two years running nearly all of the maths teachers, including two successive heads of Dept have left the school. On checking on your site I note that the last section 5 OFSTED inspection was over ten years ago, in May 2007. How can I be sure that you are checking standards are being upkept and the management of the school are up to the job, when a decade has passed since you last inspected?
Comment by titchvic123 posted on
It seems from your responses that certain schools that received an outstanding status in a previous inspection are not required to undergo another. Personally I feel this is flawed as a lot can change in 10 years. However, you say a school may have an inspection if there are concerns about it's performance - how do I go about raising these concerns? My concerns are around the attitude and bullying mentality of the headteacher. Many children have left the school in the last 6 months as a result of her approach. The class teachers however are great. Thanks.
Comment by Mrs B posted on
Our school has received 'RI' twice, now. I am led to believe that this years SATS for KS2 were poor. What happens now? If we become an Academy does this wipe the slate clean (it should not)? Surely a change in leadership would be more appropriate? Would Ofsted advocate this?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection. However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection. We can't say when the next inspection is due because it depends on a number of factors.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, There may be further RI monitoring and then another section 5 inspection at the school usually within 24 months. If at the next section 5 inspection the school is still not good, the inspection team will examine carefully how well leaders and managers are working to improve the school or whether there is further stasis or decline in standards. If the school was judged inadequate and received a directive academy order by the Secretary of State for Education it then receives a new URN and will be treated as a new school. The new academy will then be inspected within three years and, usually, during its third year of operation. Ofsted does not advocate particular ways of running schools or changes in leadership. This is a matter for the governing body.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Maintained primary and secondary schools and academies that were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection are exempt from routine inspection under section 5. However, exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. Detailed information regarding exempt schools can be found in the School inspection handbook - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
If you wish to make a complaint about a school, guidance on how to proceed is available online https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.
Parents can also complete an online survey, Parent View, https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ which inspectors review as part of gathering information on a school. It can be completed at any time; not just when a school is about to be inspected.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, From 1 September 2015, all schools judged to be good at their previous section 5 inspection have received a one-day short inspection, carried out under section 8, approximately every three years. It is possible that some goods schools have yet to be inspected under the current policy. However, all good schools would have been inspected by the end of the five years from their last full section 5 inspection.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, By law, schools judged as outstanding at their last inspection are exempt from further routine section 5 inspection unless concerns are raised about their performance. However, outstanding (exempt) schools continue to be subject to risk assessment. Where the risk assessment identifies sufficient concerns about decline in the performance of pupils’ academic achievement and overall decline in performance, these outstanding schools will receive a section 8 no formal designation inspection.
If during the course of the inspection, the lead inspector finds that the school may no longer be outstanding, then the lead inspector may convert the inspection to a section 5 inspection. In addition, the Chief Inspector must inspect a school where required to do so by the Secretary of State. They may also be inspected as part of Ofsted’s survey work.
Comment by Missmoss posted on
Thank you. Could you offer further clarification in regard to actual years/ academic years? If the last inspection graded good was September 2012 and there has been no change from maintained status and no one day inspection since, would the latest date for the follow up inspection be by the end of five actual years- ie September 2017 or the end of five academic years- ie July 2018?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, The regulations set the interval for section 5 inspections ‘within five school years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place'. From 1 September 2015, all schools judged to be good at their previous section 5 inspection will receive a one-day short inspection, carried out under section 8. In this case, the school should receive a short inspection anytime in the 2017-18 academic year. Once a school has received its first short inspection, further short inspections will be conducted at approximately three-year intervals provided the quality of education remains good.
Comment by KS posted on
I work at an independent school which has been judged as Inadequate by OFSTED in March of this year. This has meant that we cannot issue CAS visa numbers for international students outside of the EU which could result in closure of the school. Since this inspection we have received one monitoring and progress inspection and are close to being at RI or good. Can we request a full inspection as soon as we believe that we are in a position to meet requirements? Ideally we need to be re-inspected by Christmas.
Comment by S Bennett posted on
My local school - Dundry COfE primarylast had a section 8 inspection in 2014 after receiving several previous reports stating that the school required Improvement. There have been several changes including SMT / teaching staff etc. When will the school be re inspected to reassure parents that standars have been raised?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Timing of inspection is dependent on the outcome of the last inspection. Although this school might have had a section 8 inspection in 2014, there could be a number of reasons for the section 8 inspection. Our records shows that a Dundry CofE Primay School with the following address, 110 Dundry Lane, Bristol, Somerset, BS41 8JE, closed in May 2016 and reopened as a sponsored-led academy in June 2016.
If this is the right school, then it is a new school and will be inspected in accordance with our policy statement for inspecting new schools. A new school will be inspected within three years of opening.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Thank you for your enquiry. I am checking this out and will get back to you once I have an answer.
Comment by Simon posted on
I'm concerned about my child's primary school which was judged as outstanding in 2008. It's now 2017 and although many parents try hard to get their children into this school because they see that the last inspection was outstanding, my experience of it in my son's first 2 years is not what I'd call outstanding. If a school is not inspected for 9 years, how can parents trust that the outstanding rating has any value? I can see from many of the other comments here that I'm not the only one concerned about this and there must be hundreds, possibly thousands of schools that haven't been inspected for more than 5 years. Something needs to change.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Simon, by law, schools judged as outstanding at their last inspection are exempt from further routine section 5 inspection unless concerns are raised about their performance. However, outstanding (exempt) schools continue to be subject to risk assessment. Where the risk assessment identifies sufficient concerns about decline in the performance of pupils’ academic achievement and overall decline in performance, these outstanding schools will receive a section 8 no formal designation inspection. Outstanding schools are subject to risk assessment process.I hope that's helpful.
Comment by James Rourke posted on
We are a good school (last inspected under Section 5 in September 2012). We are therefore legally due a Short Inspection within the next academic year (within end of five academic years since our Section 5).
Our school currently has an academy order in place from the DFE with plans to become a converter academy within a local MAT on 1st November 2018 (over a year away).
Could the academy order result in us not being chosen for inspection?
Comment by Jo posted on
The school my daughter will probably transfer to in Sept 18 last had an Ofsted "Reduced Tariff Inspection Report" in Jan 2009. There has been a change of head since this report and, I believe, 6 new teachers started in Sept 17. The feeling among the local community is that the school is not as good as it used to be. When is it likely to have its next Ofsted?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Regulations state ‘the interval is a period not exceeding 5 years after the end of the school year in which the earlier section 5 inspection was carried out’ (The Education (School Inspection) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015). The exceptions to this requirement are schools that are exempt from section 5 inspection (known as ‘exempt schools’). Schools judged to be outstanding are exempt. The policy is set out in the School inspection handbooks <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015">School inspection handbook</a>.
A change of headteacher would not itself be a trigger for an inspection, nor would it delay an inspection taking place. Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment and Ofsted can inspect an exempt school where there are concerns.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, When a school is subject to an academy order, the school is considered a new school and is inspected within three years of operation, normally in the third year. However, where a school converts voluntarily to become an academy, Ofsted may take account of the timing of last inspection of the predecessor school in determining when to inspect.
Comment by T posted on
My friends son school which is an independent SEMH school had an inspection and was graded inadequate (jul). The head has left as well as the deputies. They have an super head in place temporary. She is worried the school will be shut especially as her son is settled there and she has only ever had a good experience of the school. How much notice will there be if the school is to shut or will the school get the chance to make improvements. if they remain open how often will they be check up on?
Comment by K Williams posted on
I am another concerned parent with a child at an 'outstanding' school Last inspection 2015. Yes I know you'll say by law etc...
But we have changed head teacher, had a year with no teacher due to illness/leaving, half my child's class are receiving extra lessons from the school now to try and bring them up to standard. Only 2 girls in year 6 passed the 11 plus.
We chose this school because it was rated outstanding, I am not convinced it still merits this grade. Yet I have no way of knowing...
Comment by Janet posted on
This is the same situation my sister faces working in a school, during the last "outstanding" Ofsted inspection teachers went and ripped up, yes, ripped up questionaires filled in by parents, that had complaints/grievances or any where the parents rated the school as poor so that it doesn't affect their Ofsted score.
The school is nowhere near outstanding.
BARE TREES PRIMARY CHADDERTON OLDHAM.
Comment by anon posted on
Please can you request HM inspector (s) to inspect my childrens school as for the past 2 years all they seem to come home with are poorly photocopied "masks" with eyes cut out, cellotaped onto a lolly stick, for every topic they cover, this is the only activity that they do. (I have kept all these. The school is poorly managed, and we as parents cannot say anything without being either patronised or intimidated by the headteacher.
Last inspection was in 2014 and rated "good".
Due another inspection.
HELP PLEASE!!
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, The Department for Education (DfE) is the registration and regulation authority for independent schools. The DfE is best placed to address your query; they can be contacted on the following email address: registration.enquiries@education.gov.uk
Comment by Jane posted on
West Bridgford school appears to have had its last inspection in November 2011. Can you explain how this fits with the "no more than 5 years" timetable, please?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, This is explained in paragraphs 9-12 of the School inspection handbook – section 5
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015 . Further information can also be found in the Methodology note – the risk assessment of good and outstanding maintained schools and academies here (the methodology note is towards the bottom of the page): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-standards-for-official-statistics.
Ofsted does not advocate a particular method of teaching and inspectors do not award a grade for the quality of teaching or outcomes in the individual lessons visited. However, inspectors will spend as much time as possible gathering evidence about the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in lessons and other learning activities, and will make a written and graded judgement in the inspection report on the overall quality of teaching, learning and assessment in the school.
Inspectors make a judgement on the effectiveness of safeguarding and whether pupils are safe. Inspectors will always have regard for how well pupils are helped and protected so that they are kept safe, and will make a written judgement under ‘leadership and management’ in the report about whether or not the arrangements for safeguarding children are effective.
Inspectors will make a judgement on the personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils by evaluating the extent to which the school is successfully promoting and supporting pupils’ knowledge of how to keep themselves healthy, both emotionally and physically, including through exercising and healthy eating.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Regulations state ‘the interval is a period not exceeding 5 years after the end of the school year in which the earlier section 5 inspection was carried out’ (The Education (School Inspection) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015). The exceptions to this requirement are schools that are exempt from section 5 inspection (known as ‘exempt schools’). Schools judged to be outstanding are exempt. The policy is set out in the School inspection handbook.
If the school being referred to is ‘The West Bridgford School’ then it’s last inspection was 23 November 2011 when it was judged ‘Outstanding’. It then converted to an academy. Where a school converts voluntarily to become an academy, Ofsted may take account of the timing of last inspection of the predecessor school in determining when to inspect. However exempt schools are subject to risk assessment and Ofsted can inspect an exempt school at any time where concerns have been raised.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Thank you for your recent communication about Burnley Brow Community Primary School. I am sorry you have concerns about the quality of the school work and the management of the school.
If you have concerns about your school, I would recommend you follow the local complaints route. If you remain unsatisfied, details of how to complain to Ofsted are on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Thank you for your recent communication about Bare Trees Primary Chadderton Oldham.
You have expressed concerns that parental feedback was witheld by teachers at the school on a previous inspection. The last inspection was over 5 years ago.
In the first instance you need to try to resolve this issue with the head teacher and governors.
If you feel the school is not outstanding, then you would need to address this with the governors also.
If you remain unsatisfied, details of how to complain to Ofsted are on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school
Comment by Louisa posted on
Hi Simon
I 100% agree, something needs to change. My child's old primary school, like yours has not been inspected since 2008 and obviously a lot has happened since then. Again, similar story to you, parents try hard to get their child into the school because of the outstanding rating - and it definitely isn't! I made the decision in the end to remove my child from this school to another school (an Ofsted rated 'good' one!). An 'outstanding' rating from 9 years ago is ridiculous and of no value whatsoever. The fact that 'Outstanding' schools are exempt from a full inspection is beyond me!
Comment by S posted on
My child's school was rated as requires improvement in Spring 2015 and then again in March 2017. I think we were told that a further inspection would be due within 12 months but the head teacher left with immediate effect days after the visit and months before the report came out. I think we would of been due another inspection within the next couple of months but we have a new head teacher since September 2018 so does this mean the school won't now have another inspection?
Comment by G Harden posted on
Does the clock start ticking from the date the academy order is issued or from the date of the actual conversion>
Comment by Harry posted on
Hi - a secondary school has not changed status, is not an academy and was graded ‘good’ in the last inspection in March 2012.
It is therefore 5 years and 11 months since the last inspection.
How is this possible under the 5 year rule?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, this does sound unusual but we can't give you an answer without knowing more. Would you be able to email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk with full details of the school so that we can look into this? Thanks.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, A school judged as requires improvement will receive a full (section 5) inspection usually no later than the end of the term in which the 24th month after the publication of the latest inspection report falls. However, where a new headteacher joins the school after the section 5 ‘requires improvement’ judgement, the school will normally be re-inspected no later than 30 months after the publication of the previous report.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
HI, When a maintained school is judged inadequate, it will be issued with an academy order, in order for it to become a sponsored academy. Once the school becomes an academy, it will be inspected within three years.
Comment by Samantha Wilson posted on
How often should a school be subjected to an ofsted inspection?
I have been attempting to contact ofstead on various telephone numbers, just to receive an automated answer machine, with no facility to leave a message or speak to anyone.
I would appreciate someone contacting me in relation to this issue.
My local school is an academy and has not been inspected in over 8 years. I feel this is unacceptable time scale and this school is overdue an inspection.
Comment by Ellie posted on
A secondary school in my local area had its last full inspection in May 2009, they were awarded outstanding. Since then it has become an academy with a number of government affiliations. Yes their results continue to show that they are doing well but surely they need to be standardised?! Having been on placement there, I witnessed instances where coursework was altered - this should be the kind of details that an inspection picks up on. Am I to assume that if your academy ‘fits the bill’ then it is acceptable to not be checked for 9 academic years?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi,
The timing of the inspection will depend on the outcome of the school’s previous inspection. Without details of the academy, I’m unable to address the specific query. However, by law, Ofsted is required to inspect schools that are subject to inspection (under section of the Education Act 2005) at prescribed intervals of within five years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place.
The exception to this requirement are schools that are exempt from routine inspection. Most maintained primary and secondary schools, and academies, that were judged to be outstanding at their most recent inspection are exempt from routine inspection under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. This exemption also applies to former outstanding maintained schools that have since become academies (known as academy converters). The exemption from inspection does not apply to outstanding special schools, pupil referral units or maintained nursery schools; these schools, along with schools that are judged as good at their previous inspection, will be inspected approximately every three years. Please see the school inspection handbook for detailed information School inspection handbook
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi,
The timing of the inspection will depend on the outcome of the school’s previous inspection. Without details of the academy, I’m unable to address the specific query. However, by law, Ofsted is required to inspect schools that are subject to inspection (under section of the Education Act 2005) at prescribed intervals of within five years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place.
The exception to this requirement are schools that are exempt from routine inspection. Most maintained primary and secondary schools, and academies, that were judged to be outstanding at their most recent inspection are exempt from routine inspection under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.
Comment by Rueben Jones posted on
I've heard different accounts of how exempt outstanding maintained mainstream schools are inspected if Ofsted have concerns about standards. I'm aware that many are inspected under section 8 no formal designation arrangements and may convert to section 5 after the one day inspection. However, there is a rumour that exempt schools can have a section 5 inspection straight away without the S8 NFD inspection taking place. Is this yet another myth doing the rounds?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Exempt schools can only be inspecting under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. If HMCI or the Secretary of State has concerns regarding an exempt school, HMCI has powers to inspect at any time under section 8. If during an inspection, the lead inspector finds the school may no longer be outstanding, the inspector may deem the section 8 inspection as a section 5 inspection almost immediately under section 9.
This information is detailed in both the section 5 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015) and section 8 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handbook-for-short-monitoring-and-unannounced-behaviour-school-inspections) handbooks.
Comment by Sarah Edwards posted on
I am trying to find the Ofsted report for Litherland High School in Sefton. It was last inspected in 2014 and was put on special measures. The report is on the school website, along with a further monitoring report but not on the Ofsted site itself. From the comments above, it should have been re-inspected with 30 months of the 2014 report but does not seem to have been. Please could you clear this up for me?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, The original school was closed in February 2015 and became a sponsor led academy on 1 March 2015. These type of schools are new legal entities and are inspected as new schools in their third year of operation. This school recently had a section 5 inspection. The report should be published soon. We can't release this information as it’s not yet in the public domain.
Comment by A concerned parent posted on
Hello, 2 questions, I’m not sure when our next review is due but... Does Ofsted look and the number of teacher and children that leave / change schools. For roughly 6 months a lot of staff have been leaving their role, mid term even and a lot of parents have decided to remove those children from the school for a differnt school of even to home school just to get them out. Is this monitored at all? Also I know a few complaints have been made to the head governor with regards to the school, mainly regarding treatment of Sen children but nothing seems to be changing, does ofstead get to see the complain made against school
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Thanks for your comment. During an inspection, the inspection team will gather as much information as possible about the school, including any changes that might affect education standards, so this might include detail of teacher and pupil turnover. We gather staff views through questionnaires during inspection, and check how leaders ensure that staff are motivated and supported. We also look at views from the Parent View questionnaire and any significant concerns brought to our attention. When preparing for an inspection, the lead inspector will look at any issues raised from an investigation of any qualifying complaints about the school. We look carefully at data on the progress of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and how well funded support for children with SEND has narrowed the gap in progress and attainment for them. There are separate procedures that parents can follow if they consider that the school is not meeting the needs of a pupil with special educational needs: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school/sen-complaints
Comment by Rose posted on
I think the law needs to be reviewed in regards to outstanding schools that are exempt from being reviewed as regularly as a good school. It is far too long to go without an inspection for 5 years or more as standards can drop quickly. As I have just recently found out, and as a parent this is very disheartening when you have moved your child from one school to another.
Comment by Donna Bedford posted on
My daughters school is voluntarily converting to an academy in September this year. It was last inspected in July 2016 and judged as good. Will it be classed as a new school and then be inspected in its third year or will it be inspected in July 2019?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Donna. Our general policy on inspecting new schools is that they have a section 5 in their third year (any time within that year). The general policy on schools that qualify for short inspections is that they will normally be inspected around 3 years after the last inspection report was published.
Comment by Marcus posted on
Hi,
We are choosing a primary school for our daughter but the last Osted report at our local school is dated 2011, when it was rated Oustanding. Since then the head teacher has changed. We have read all the above posts regarding further inspections (or not) of Outstanding rated schools, which seems to suggest that once a school attains this rating it might never be inspected again. What is the check and balance process Ofsted employs to be certain this performance level is maintained over such level long periods (indefinitely) when no re-inspections are occurring?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi Marcus, Ofsted is required to inspect all schools to which section 5 of the Education Act applies ‘within five school years’ of the last inspection.
However, some schools are exempt from this requirement if they were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, it may be inspected at any time after the completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
Comment by Fawad posted on
Hi, My children are attending Montpelier primary school Ealing London . The last ofsted inspection was conducted in 14 March 2012 which is more than 6 years ago. When are you planning to arrange the next one?
Comment by Kevin Samson posted on
It is now June 2018 and no reply has been received since posting this comment in August 2017. Please can I get a reply? Thank you.
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi, Maintained primary and secondary schools and academies that were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection are exempt from inspection under section 5. They can only be inspected under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 where the Chief Inspector considers it necessary or where Ofsted is requested to inspect by the Secretary of State.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, a school may be inspected at any time following completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
Comment by Jane posted on
My school was inspected in January 2018 and was awarded a good. Then for un-clear reasons was reinspected again in May 2018- just 5 months later and was awarded a requiring improvement. Can you please explain this.
Comment by Jane posted on
Still awaiting my reply on timescale of my schools ofsted inspections this year. We had one in January 2018 in which we were awarded a good . We were told we wouldn’t be inspected for three years. However we were re- inspected in June 2018 and were given a completely different grading?? There was not a parent complaint or safeguarding issue to promp the second inspection. Please explain.
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi Jane, A good school normally receives a one day short inspection approximately every four years. The timing of the next inspection can be influenced by a number of different factors (as explained in the blog). For example, the school might have been due a section 5 inspection by law and this has to take place within 5 years or the last section 5 inspection. Or there may have been particular concerns that arose after the short inspection which necessitated a further inspection.
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi Jane, A good school normally receives a one day short inspection approximately every four years. The timing of the next inspection can be influenced by a number of different factors (as explained in the blog). For example, the school might have been due a section 5 inspection by law and this has to take place within 5 years or the last section 5 inspection. Or there may have been particular concerns that arose after the short inspection which necessitated a further inspection.
Comment by Tanya Hall posted on
Can you please confirm how often nurseries are inspected by OfSted. The previous inspection was March 2016 - where an Outstanding judgement was awarded.
Thanks
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi Tanya, We normally inspect all settings on the early years register at least once every four years. The current four year cycle began on 1 August 2016.
There is no exemption for those judged to be outstanding. However, if we have a concern about an early years setting then we will do a risk assessment that may lead to an unscheduled inspection.
Comment by Rachel posted on
We are looking at high schools in the area and noticed that the OFSTED inspection of Archbishop Temple (Preston) was in May 2009. The entire teaching staff has changed since then , how come this hasn’t been reassessed to ensure that they are still an outstanding school?
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi, Maintained schools and academies that were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection are exempt from inspection under section 5. They can only be inspected under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 where the Chief Inspector considers it necessary or where Ofsted is requested to inspect by the Secretary of State.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, a school may be inspected at any time following completion of the risk assessment under section 8.
For further information please see paragraphs 13 – 19 of the School inspection handbook - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Thank you for your enquiry. The blog about inspection timescales you have mentioned relates to state-funded schools. There are separate arrangements for the inspection of independent schools, full details of which can be found in the non-association independent school inspection handbook: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-association-independent-school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015.
You will see that this sets out that schools inspected from January 2015 that are judged as requires improvement or inadequate will normally have a standard inspection within two years of the previous standard inspection.
However, all independent schools are inspected at the direction of the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. Therefore, Ofsted may be asked to inspect an independent school at any time. This might occur, for example, where the DfE has particular concerns about a school. You may therefore wish to contact the DfE if you have any further queries about the timing of your inspection.
Comment by Sensitive Fearful posted on
Our school has just been given a 'requires improvement' outcome. What percentage of lessons observed will have had to have been judged as such for this to be given?
Comment by External relations team posted on
Hi, Inspectors do not grade individual lessons during inspection, nor do they make judgements based on any one indicator when assessing the quality of education in a school. So there is no set percentage required for a school to improve from ‘requires improvement. You may find it helpful to look at the inspection criteria and grade descriptors for Ofsted’s judgements in the School Inspection Handbook, which you can find here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
Comment by Chris S posted on
My daughter's primary school converted to an academy in 2012. It has not been inspected since converting. The last inspection of the school prior to conversion was in 2009 and was rated outstanding.
Does the new academy inherit the outstanding rating and is therefore exempt from inspections. Or should the new academy be inspected irrespective of the previous school's rating? Roughly when would the next inspection be due?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Thank you for your query. With the exception of some special schools and pupil referral units, schools judged outstanding before conversion to academy status are exempt from routine section 5 inspection, unless there are significant concerns about their performance.
Comment by Kim Vale posted on
One of our local schools was judged outstanding in 2008 but has not had an inspection since. A lot can happen in 10 years! Another local school judged ‘good’ in 2016 has significantly better comparable SATS results last year. How can a parent have confidence the school first is still at outstanding level? It would surely be better if all schools were inspected at least every 5 years? How are we to make the best choice based on an assessment from 10 years ago? Thanks.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Kim, have you seen this blog from Sean? It should answer all your questions about how we assess school performance in between inspections: https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/17/risk-assessment-process-for-good-and-outstanding-schools/
Another thing to note is that outstanding schools are exempt from routine inspection by law, which is something that we'd like to see change.
Comment by Anon posted on
The school I work at has not had an inspection since 2011. Why is this?
The last inspection it was rated as outstanding, but not sure this is currently the case. We've had several changes of Head and several members of staff leave, 6-8 in one year.
Comment by michelenevard posted on
Hi, Maintained schools and academies that were judged to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness at their most recent section 5 inspection are exempt from inspection under section 5. They can only be inspected under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 where the Chief Inspector considers it necessary or where Ofsted is requested to inspect by the Secretary of State.
Exempt schools are subject to risk assessment. If the risk assessment process raises concerns about the performance of an exempt school, a school may be inspected at any time following completion of the risk assessment under section 8. Please see this blog from Sean Harford which should explain how we assess school performance between inspections: https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/17/risk-assessment-process-for-good-and-outstanding-schools/
For further information please see paragraphs 11 – 22 of the School inspection handbook - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
Comment by LR posted on
If a school was rated 'requires improvement' I believe it is subject to a 30 month re inspection. However since this inspection the school converted into a multi academy trust, what ruling applies for re inspection? A new head was also appointed since the last inspection.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, When a school becomes an academy, the predecessor school is closed and a new school, the academy, is established. As such, the inspection of the new school (under section 5) will take place within three years of the conversion date.
Comment by BHenderson posted on
As a Requires Improvement school in the previous inspection, the school is to be reinspected 'within 30 months'. Is this including summer holidays; as this will lengthen that time frame- and is there a time period from the HMI monitoring visit to the full inspection which currently means the school is now at 30 months since the original report, but the HMI report was published in September 2018
Comment by Ofsted external relation posted on
Hi, Thank you for your query. Ofsted does not exclude school holidays from a timeframe for re-inspection. Therefore, schools judged ‘requires improvement’ will be re-inspected 30 months from the date of the previous inspection.
Comment by Luke B posted on
Hi, we were inspected in July 2015, a full section 5 and got a good, so we're due this academic year. However, we're going through the due diligence process for becoming part of a MAT with an expected date of conversion of the 1st Feb 2019.
Does this affect our inspection date?
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, It is not possible to predict whether a school in the process of undertaking due diligence before converting to an academy or joining a MAT will be scheduled for a routine short inspection before the conversion has taken place.
Once a school has become an academy converter, its next inspection will be a short inspection. These normally take place during the third year after conversion.
However, some good schools will automatically receive a full section 5 inspection instead of a section 8 short inspection, and this can occur where Ofsted’s risk assessment process indicates that the quality of provision may have deteriorated significantly. Schools may also receive a full section 5 inspection where there has been a significant change in the school, for example, through the merger with another school that closes or by the addition of a new phase or key stage.
Comment by MM posted on
My child's school- Parish Church in Skipton, North Yorkshire- was put into special measures in April 2017 following an Ofsted in February 2017.
We were told at a parent meeting that the school had to close or become part of a MAT but neither of these have happened. The only answer we get as parents is " these things take a long time".
Since then there is a new Headteacher although the deputy remains and they have appointed a new assistant head. I am so concerned about the staff turnover. The EYFS teacher has not been in since April 2018 but no one told parents that she had left, but a new teacher arrived in September who only worked two weeks, then also went off sick. There is now another supply teacher in that class.A year one teacher who went off ill at the same time is also still off with stress.
The school has an awful atmosphere when you go in now , behaviour seems to have deteriorated and staff morale seems so low. I am really concerned about the number of supply teachers in ,sometimes my child could have so many different teachers in one week.Please could you reassure me that someone is looking at the staff situation and let me know what is happening re the MAT or academy situation.Thank you.
Comment by Ofsted external relations posted on
Hi, Thank you for your message. Please note when a school becomes an academy, an academy order is made by the Secretary of State. The predecessor school is closed and a new school, the academy, is established. The new academy is legally a new school, even though in many cases it is likely to comprise the same pupils, teachers and buildings. Academies are independent of local authority control but are state-funded schools. Statutory regulations permit Ofsted to provide data from a predecessor school to the new academy. If you require any further information about the procedure and timings of the change from a maintained school to an academy, the Department for Education will be able to provide the correct information.
Comment by Helen A posted on
My son goes to an academy secondary school that was judged to be outstanding at it's last inspection. I understand that this means it is exempt from further inspections but surely there is a cap on that time wise? I am certain the school would still be judged as outstanding but it's last inspection was 12 years ago! In that time the head teacher has changed, huge numbers of staff have changed. The school has had an extension built and nearly doubled it's intake. The school is nothing like it was 12 years ago, surely it should have an inspection?
Comment by External Relations posted on
Hi Helen, at the moment the law doesn't permit us to inspect schools rated as outstanding, regardless of when they were last inspected (there is no cap). We are of the view that the time has come to revisit the outstanding exemption, but this is subject to the will of parliament and funding from the Department for Education (DfE).
Comment by Beana posted on
Why does reaching outstanding make you exempt from inspection? Surely you should still be inspected like any other school as things change often! Our school has new teachers come and go almost termly. A risk assessment is not enough to reassess in my opinion. Our primary has not been inspected since 2008 and with so many changes, such as a change from lower to primary (3 tier to 2 tier) and constant changes in teaching staff surely would mean a review is vital - effectively it is a completely different school (staff and buildings) but still promoted as an 'outstanding' school as it was in 2008. Also what is involved in a risk assessment? I know many safe guarding issues that still have not resulted in an inspection so I am not sure a risk assessment has taken place either? Can we see the results of such a risk assessment?
Comment by Sheurie Warner posted on
Hi – The School inspection handbook outlines the legal basis for inspections. Section 15 (page 9) explains the inspection of schools judged to be outstanding. Information about how Ofsted conducts risk assessments can be found from section 11 (page 9) - here's the link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015
We are currently running a consultation on proposed changes to the education inspection framework – it’s open until 5 April 2019, we would welcome your feedback https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/education-inspection-framework-2019-inspecting-the-substance-of-education
Comment by Ashley posted on
We are currently looking at schools for our children and are interested in The Oval School, B33 8JG. However, there hasn't been an inspection for over 5 years so I'm not sure exactly what to make of the school. Are you able to confirm that the school will have an inspection soon.
Many thanks
Comment by External Relations posted on
Hi Ashley, our inspections are carried out with very little or no notice, so we can't discuss our inspection schedule unfortunately. You can read more about the timing of inspections <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-ofsted-will-inspect-academy-schools-including-free-schools">here</a>. It's always worth visiting the school so you can see it in person and speak to the head teacher and staff.
Comment by Lisa posted on
Our school was inspected last month but no report has been published yet.
My question is ‘when counting days do OFSTED count the half term as working days?’
I understand that the report should be in 19 working days or 28 if judged Inadequate. As there has been a half term since our inspection I wondered if these days are counted.
It’s not so much that the report isn’t yet available I’m interested in, more the implications for an Inadequate rating. Thanks
Comment by sam posted on
The school closest to my house has been Good but received an ofsted "requires improvement" exactly 24 months back. Now I have seen on the website that "The school will usually have a full re-inspection within 30 months of the school's last full inspection., after they receive Requires Improvement"
Is that true? does it mean it will be definitely be inspected within next 6 months.
Thanks
Comment by External Relations posted on
Hi Sam, yes, as set out in our <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015">inspection handbook</a>, schools will usually receive an inspection within 30 months of the publication of their last inspection report.
Comment by External Relations posted on
Hi Lisa, our inspection <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-from-september-2015">handbook</a> sets out the usual timescales, but it can sometimes take longer. There are a number of reasons why an inspection report may take longer than 28 days to be published, and this doesn’t automatically mean that a school will be found to be inadequate.
Comment by Natasha Hamilton posted on
My local school was taken over by a faith school (at least i think it is?)over 7 years ago. It has no ofsted report and it is extremely insular- I've never see children only minibuses with blacked out windows! Never hear children playing outside etc. Surely there should have been an inspection by now if only to ensure the safe guarding of the children- if there are any? and assess the type of 'education' (not brain washing). This is more important surely with newly set up schools? 7 years is too long to have no information about what is going on there!
Comment by External Relations posted on
Hi Natasha, thanks for your comment. Without knowing which school you're talking about it's difficult to answer your question. If you have concerns about a school, please see our <a href="https://contact.ofsted.gov.uk/online-complaints-schools">website</a> for more information about making a complaint.