Headteachers are being advised to consider removing banners which
proclaim Ofsted inspection judgements from outside their schools.
The suggestion comes in advice sent out yesterday (Tuesday) by
the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) to members
entitled ‘101 ideas to help you manage inspection’.
Number 91 reads: “Reconsider your banner: whilst you may
be proud of your inspection result, remember Ofsted is not the
only mark of success. Perhaps the views of your pupils and
parents would be a refreshing and welcome alternative!”
ASCL Inspections Specialist Stephen Rollett said:
“Inspections are obviously important but they don’t tell the
full story. There is so much more to a school than whether a team
of inspectors think it is ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.
“Schools open up a world of learning – sports, music, arts,
science, history, languages and literature. A generic Ofsted
rating cannot do justice to their distinctive character. Let’s
replace those banners with something more inspiring than an
accountability measure.
“We could instead put up quotes from parents and pupils about
the things they love about our schools, the things which really
make schools tick.”
The ASCL guide provides schools with practical advice on how to
prepare for and manage inspections, and what to do if an
inspection goes wrong. It has been circulated to more than 14,000
heads, deputy heads, assistant heads and other senior staff in
schools in England.
It emphasises the need to ensure that inspections do not generate
lots of extra work.
Number 4 reads: “Be mindful of workload at all times,
for you and your staff. Inspection should not generate extra work
for teachers, and the ideas outlined in this document are
typically low cost in terms of money and time.”
You can read the full version here.
ASCL will be producing a similar guide specifically for colleges
in due course.
