Responding to the publication of Ofsted’s report on short
inspections of good schools, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of
the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“We think that the interests of pupils are best served by
helping good schools to remain as good schools. Ofsted’s decision
to follow-up short inspections, where necessary, with a full
inspection at a later date gives schools the opportunity to make
any improvements which are needed to ensure that they retain that
rating.
“We can see from the consultation response that this issue
divided opinion and that people have concerns about how schools
in this situation will be perceived. That is why we have stressed
that the published letter sent by Ofsted to good schools
following the short inspection must make it clear that they
remain good schools ahead of the full inspection.
“We are pleased that Ofsted has confirmed that our feedback
will inform the design of the letter. We will monitor how this
system works in practice and will continue to advise our members
and Ofsted accordingly.
“Where potentially outstanding schools are identified in
short inspections, we would encourage Ofsted to provide early
full inspections when requested by these schools to avoid lengthy
and frustrating waits for confirmation of an outstanding
grade.”
