Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ofsted’s Work with Schools

25 April 2024 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Robin Walker Con Worcester

Education

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robin Walker raised concerns about ofsted’s work with schools in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister of State, Department for Education, Robin Walker, made a statement on Ofsted's work with schools.
  • He expressed gratitude to all contributors and thanked the family of Ruth Perry for their dignified approach.
  • The inquiry highlighted concerns about stress and anxiety caused by high-stakes inspections.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Robin Walker

The Minister of State, Department for Education, Robin Walker, made a statement on the Education Committee’s report on Ofsted’s work with schools. He expressed gratitude to all contributors and thanked the family of Ruth Perry for their dignified approach in seeking reforms post-Caversham Primary School tragedy. The inquiry highlighted concerns about stress and anxiety caused by high-stakes inspections but acknowledged the importance of an accountability system. Recommendations included a 'Big Listen' exercise, rethinking single-word judgments, improving sub-judgment visibility, and revising inspection length and frequency to enhance depth and value. Ofsted welcomed these recommendations, aiming for comprehensive reforms based on sector feedback. The Committee also emphasised the need for enhanced multi-academy trust (MAT) accountability and supported Ofsted’s role in this aspect.

Other contributors (7)
  • Unspecified

    Question

    An unspecified MP asked if the government will consider re-examining its response to sector feedback and Labour's proposal for report cards, which have been welcomed by a former chief inspector. The MP also inquired about conversations with Ministers regarding MAT inspection recommendations and future work on special educational needs inclusion.

    Minister reply

    The Minister stated that Ofsted and the Department are listening seriously to sector views through the 'Big Listen' exercise. They acknowledge the need for reform but emphasised the importance of comprehensive feedback before making definitive changes. The Committee will continue to explore ways to strengthen MAT accountability, while further work on special educational needs inclusion is under consideration.

  • Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North

    Question

    I thank the Chair of the Education Committee for bringing forward this statement, following the Committee’s much-needed inquiry and report on this issue. In the report, he rightly extends his condolences and gratitude to the family, friends and colleagues of Ruth Perry, all of whom have contributed to this report at an incredibly difficult time...

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her response. She raised some important points. I expressed my disappointment that the Government seem to have ruled out our recommendation that we move away from single-word judgments and explore alternatives... There is an extremely strong case for MAT inspection. That case has been heard by those in all parts of the House; it is a reflection of the maturity of MATs and their huge contribution to the school system, which the Government’s response acknowledged, that we are having this debate...

  • Robert Halfon Con Harlow

    Question

    I congratulate my hon. Friend on the report, and I welcome the recommendation on Ofsted supervision of MATs, but may I turn to careers advice in schools? My first ever speech in the House of Commons—my maiden speech—was about trying to encourage more schools to encourage students to do apprenticeships, as well as to go to university...

    Minister reply

    My right hon. Friend knows more about this issue than almost anyone else in the House, and has made a huge contribution to the debate on skills... Our one wariness was that we did not want to recommend a huge slew of things that Ofsted should be adding to the inspection process or framework, because we did not want to increase the workload or pressure on teachers and leaders.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Question

    I thank the Chair and the Committee for their excellent work on this very important matter. I also pay tribute to my constituent Ruth Perry, who was an outstanding headteacher...

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he has engaged on this issue, and for rightly championing the interests of his late constituent... This matter will have to be considered carefully. It is vital that the process is seen to be conducted independently of both the current and former management of Ofsted...

  • Anna Firth Con Croydon North

    Question

    As a member of the Select Committee on Education, I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent statement, and for the fantastic report on which it is based...

    Minister reply

    In a word, yes.

  • Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

    Question

    I welcome the Select Committee's report and express disappointment that the Government have not accepted its recommendations. One recommendation was to extend the period between re-inspections for schools with an outstanding rating, but I am concerned this could result in problems going unnoticed.

    Minister reply

    The 'outstanding' exception allowing longer periods between inspections has been removed by my predecessor and we will maintain a five-yearly cycle for all schools. We were considering a more risk-based approach where good and outstanding schools are inspected less frequently, while those needing improvement or judged inadequate are inspected more regularly. However, the Government rejected this to ensure no school lingers uninspected for extended periods.

Shadow Comment

Catherine McKinnell

The shadow Minister, Catherine McKinnell, welcomed the findings on single-word judgments but criticised the Government's defence of the current system as high-stakes for teachers and low-information for parents. She called for a review of the sector’s response to reform, mentioned Labour's plan for report cards, and questioned the Government’s stance on MAT inspection recommendations. McKinnell also enquired about including special educational needs in future Ofsted frameworks.

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