News

Ofsted launches consultation on how it inspects from early years to further education

Ofsted has launched a consultation on plans to change the way it inspects early years settings, schools and further education and skills providers.

The new framework proposes a shift to rebalance inspection, so that instead of taking exam results and test data at face value, Ofsted will look at how a nursery, school or college's results have been achieved and whether they are a result of broad and rich learning, or gaming and cramming.

Ofsted said that its research has found that some children are having their teaching narrowed in schools to boost performance table points.

This means that in early years, for example, instead of feeling able to spend time reading to children or playing with them, nursery staff feel pressured into completing endless documentation to demonstrate each stage of a child’s development. In many primary schools, rather than reading a wide range of books, children are instead spending time repeating reading comprehension tests.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here