Ofsted plans surprise visits

0370 270 6000

Search Mobile

collapse

already registered?

Please sign in with your existing account details.

Email address

Password

need to register?

Register to access exclusive content, sign up to receive our updates and personalise your experience on brownejacobson.com.

Privacy statement - Terms and conditions

Forgotten your password?

collapseSign

Browne Jacobson home

Education home

Insights

Blogs

Ofsted plans surprise visits

12 December 2013

For most, the word ‘surprise’ brings to mind positive connotations, particularly at this time of year with the Christmas period fast approaching. However, the latest announcement that there will be ‘surprise’ Ofsted visits to schools in parts of the country that are ‘rife with poor behaviour’ is unlikely to spread much cheer amongst the leadership teams of affected schools.

A range of guidance on tackling poor behaviour has been published by the DfE over the last few years to strengthen schools’ powers to discipline pupils. Furthermore, a recent survey found that 72% of school leaders are satisfied with these government measures.

Whilst Ofsted want to see schools act on poor behaviour, there must be recognition that this is inextricably linked to parental support and engagement (which can vary considerably from one area to the next). Focussing on schools’ efforts to get parents onside should be a key consideration for Ofsted inspectors when judging how well schools are addressing disruptive behaviour.

related opinions

School uniform under media spotlight

The new academic year has started with controversy over school uniform. Last week, a government inquiry heard evidence that costs for parents are being exacerbated by compulsory branded uniform, including clothing with school logos, and operating contractual arrangements for the supply of these items with single retailers.

View blog

Education Secretary confirms DfE 'backing' for exclusions

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has confirmed that head teachers who take “the decision to either suspend or expel a pupil because they need to do it in order to be able to enforce proper and full discipline in their school, and making sure that they're protecting the whole interests of the school, will always have my backing".

View blog

Welcome news for sixth form colleges looking to academise

The Government has accepted calls from sixth form colleges to reopen the option to become academies.

View blog

RSE guidance issued - but do teachers feel ready?

In our previous blog we updated you on the new requirements to teach relationships, health and sex education (elements of which are phase specific) which will become mandatory in September 2020.

View blog

View all blogs