The return of Ofsted inspections
Omicron may have brought Ofsted inspections to a pause in December, but most of the autumn term was a busy period for the non-ministerial department, with a return to a full schedule of inspections and the targeted inspection of schools formerly exempt.
Omicron may have brought Ofsted inspections to a pause in December, but most of the autumn term was a busy period for the non-ministerial department, with a return to a full schedule of inspections and the targeted inspection of schools formerly exempt. Outstanding schools will have been feeling the heat. Amanda Spielman has spoken of halving the number of schools with this grade and statistics from last term mirror this figure.
We are being approached by an increasing number of schools seeking to challenge their recent inspection. Where schools have come to us following a particularly drastic grade change, a judgement of ineffective safeguarding has been a noticeable theme. We have also heard repeatedly from our school and academy clients that there is a lack of genuine consideration by Ofsted of the impact of the pandemic. Despite the additional text within the School Inspection Handbook and the standard lines added to reports, many schools’ experience is that the actual practical repercussions of operating a school in such times are not being fairly acknowledged and reflected as part of the inspection process.
If you have an Ofsted inspection looming or are not happy with the outcome of a report, please contact us for advice.
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
High Court dismisses school prayer ban challenge
Legal Update
School leaders survey Spring 2024 - the results are in!
Guide
Revisions to Ofsted’s complaints procedure: what you need to know
Legal Update
OFS Consultation on freedom of speech guidance
Legal Update
Understanding the ICO's new fining guidance
Legal Update
7 ways academy trusts can prepare for the new Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
School complaints: handling problem parent behaviour
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces Nick MacKenzie to succeed Mark Blois as head of Browne Jacobson’s education team
Legal Update
Changes to academy conversion funding
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
All change at Companies House - Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
Understanding the changing role of company secretary for academy trusts
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Opinion
School attendance matters
Legal Update
Not quite a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools: DfE guidance insights
Legal Update
Charity law update – March 2024
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
Legal Update
Updated guidance for collaborative learning delivery in higher education
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
In Person Event
Child protection in Education – London
In Person Event
Leading Safeguarding 2024 - London
In Person Event
Optimus: HR update and people strategy
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts) - February 2024
Legal Update
Ofsted reform: Where are we now and where do we go from here?
Legal Update
New case on the reasonable adjustment duty for pupils in schools
Legal Update
What does the new gender questioning guidance mean for schools?
Legal Update
How do holiday pay reforms affect the education sector?
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Do your campus buildings comply with the latest legislation?
Published Article
Proactive handling of vexatious complaints and abuse of staff in schools
Legal Update
Subsidy control: Guide to streamlined routes for universities
Legal Update
Data protection in higher education: what to expect in 2024
Legal Update
Installing EV charge points on university campuses
Legal Update
Holiday reforms: What employers need to know
Legal Update
Employment law in 2024: How changes impact education
Legal Update
Backpay for leavers: Employers risk unlawful deduction from wages claims
