According to a new plan, Ofsted inspections in England will no longer focus on exam results and grades as they make schools “exam factories”. “The focus on performance data has narrowed what’s taught in schools” says Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman.
Chris Keates, leader of the Nasuwt teachers' union, advocated treating “teachers as experts, rather than data managers".
However, the National Association of Head Teachers warned against changes being "rushed through" without adequate consultation with school leaders.
The proposals are likely to make it easier for inspectors to recognise the good work done by schools in challenging circumstances.
"The cumulative impact of performance tables and inspections, and the consequences that are hung on them, has increased the pressure on school leaders, teachers and indirectly on pupils to deliver perfect data above all else.” Spielman added.
The new planned judgement will focus on
- personal development
- behaviour and attitudes
- schools’ leadership and management.
In January, Ofsted will launch a consultation on the new set of inspection categories in a new framework, hoping to use it at the start of the school year in September 2019.
