Changes to short inspections
Following a consultation earlier this summer, Ofsted have revised their proposals for changes to short inspections (external link) A number of changes will take place from October half term:
- some ‘good’ schools will automatically receive a full, two-day inspection instead of a short inspection;
- where a short inspection converts to a full inspection, this will usually continue to be within 48 hours but may take up to 7 days in some cases;
- short inspections of secondary schools with more than 1,100 pupils will be carried out by three inspectors (rather than two as is standard).
The proposals set out in the new consultation are that:
- where short inspections pick up serious concerns, they will continue to convert to full inspections within 48 hours;
- where, following a short inspection, inspectors are not confident that the school remains ‘good’ but “the standard of education remains acceptable, and there are no concerns about safeguarding or behaviour”, the inspection will not convert. The school will receive a letter setting out the inspection findings and a full inspection will take place within 1 to 2 years. It will remain a ‘good’ school;
- where, following a short inspection, inspectors believe the school may be ‘outstanding’, the inspection will not convert. As above, the inspection findings will be set out in a letter, the school will remain ‘good’, and a full inspection will take place within 1 to 2 years.