Purpose of the independent learning review
The independent learning review for Ofsted conducted by Dame Christine Gilbert, commissioned by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) and the Chair of Ofsted in April 2024, examines Ofsted’s practices and accountability in light of the tragic suicide of Ruth Perry in January 2023. The incident highlighted long-standing issues within the school inspection system, which had fostered a climate of fear and weakened trust in Ofsted.
Radical reform and recommendations
The review emphasises the need for radical reform to ensure that inspections contribute positively to the education system and support the well-being of school leaders and staff. It outlines 14 recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, responsiveness, and effectiveness in Ofsted’s operations, creating a real opportunity for meaningful change focussing on teaching, learning, development, and consistency.
The recommendations aim to improve Ofsted’s inspection processes and rebuild trust in the organisation, emphasising the need for Ofsted to urgently integrate the both the Coroner’s and the Education Select Committee’s recommendations into a comprehensive improvement plan that is regularly monitored and published for transparency. This plan should be externally evaluated by independent organisations to ensure transparency and impartial feedback. In addition to incorporating the recommendations from this review the report also highlights the need to implement changes stemming from the Big Listen initiative, confirming that this feedback has been genuinely considered.
Crisis preparedness, complaints and safeguarding
The recommendations highlight the need to prepare for future critical incidents, ensuring that Ofsted’s senior leadership are prepared for such incidents through undertaking crisis scenario training with a focus on communication. It also advocates changes to the existing complaints procedure which could be further enhanced with the introduction of independent oversight with the capability of revising inspection judgments.
Whilst the report recommends various changes to practice it emphasises the need to ensure that safeguarding measures are carefully balanced to avoid compromising decisions that prioritise child safety.
Improving inspector training and accountability
Internally, the report recommends that mental health training for inspectors should be advanced and regularly updated to reflect the unique power dynamics of inspections. In addition to training. performance management for inspectors needs to be strengthened, ensuring that expectations are clear and that inspectors receive the necessary feedback and support. Additionally, feedback from inspectors should play a significant role in shaping Ofsted’s professional learning and development initiatives, fostering continuous improvement.
Externally, key performance indicators should balance the emphasis on inspection volume and timeliness with stakeholder satisfaction, Government should be cognisant of the risks associated with prioritising inspection volume over quality, ensuring that inspections are meaningful and supportive.
Implementing these recommendations could have a transformative impact on Ofsted, enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust within the education sector. By improving inspector training and accountability, strengthening governance and introducing independent evaluations Ofsted could create a supportive and effective inspection process that fully supports school improvement as well as school accountability.
Restoring faith in Ofsted and inspection
Ultimately, the implementation of these recommendations will not only restore confidence in Ofsted, but also contribute to a more balanced and meaningful public accountability system, benefiting schools, teachers, and students across the country.
