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by Jess Gibson

Ofsted has today announced several measures to “reassure the education sector” about the rollout of the renewed Ofsted inspection framework in November. 

The inspectorate says that the measures – which include all initial inspections under the new framework being led by the most experienced senior inspectors while assisted by Ofsted’s permanent, in-house teams and providing “comprehensive training” for all inspectors prior to a ‘live’ inspection – aim to provide transparency and show Ofsted’s commitment to listening to feedback. 

These measures follow plans to run a number of webinars and live events to help early years providers, schools and colleges prepare for the new inspections under the revised framework, as announced by Ofsted in early July. 

In addition, Ofsted will hold meetings with representatives from each education remit, seeking their feedback on early inspections in November and December. The inspectorate is also exploring webinar options for bodies responsible for governance and oversight, such as school governors, multi-academy trusts, local authorities and nursery chains. 

Further measures to support the revised inspection framework that were announced today include: 

• An enhanced quality assurance programme with fewer inspections in November and December. 

• Ofsted working with the CST and others to ensure all inspection guidance and material for providers is as user-friendly as possible.   

• �ճ��  continuing to publish inspector training materials on its free-to-access external platform.   

• Access to the Ofsted telephone helpline for setting leaders before, during and after an inspection to raise any concerns and queries.   

• The continual updating of the online FAQs document in the early months of inspections, as well as the production of blogs sharing reflections and countering any emerging misconceptions. 

Ofsted chief Sir Martyn Oliver said: “We’re confident that our reforms will deliver an improved system of education inspection, with real benefits for children and their parents. But we’re also serious about giving providers the support they need to engage confidently and fairly with the changes, and ensuring a steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework.   

“I want to reassure everyone that we’re taking every possible measure to provide a consistent and high-quality inspection experience for all, right from the off.” 

Neil Leitch, Alliance CEO, said: "Given that our own research identified inspections as the biggest source of stress and anxiety for those working in the early years, we welcome Ofsted's efforts to reassure those working across the education sector about its commitment to improving the quality of inspection. 

"What's more, with the publication of Ofsted's response to the inspection reform consultation delayed to September, it is reassuring to see that the rollout of the inspections under the new framework will be phased in gradually, with initial inspections carried out by senior Ofsted staff. 

"Ultimately, of course, it remains to be seen whether or not the changes being proposed will have a tangible impact on the experiences of educators, including those in the early years, undergoing Ofsted inspections. We're clear that a supportive, collaborative approach to inspection, consistent across all inspectors, is key to building a system that all educators can have confidence in."