Ofsted to ‘significantly’ change complaints process

Proposed changes include providers being able to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection if they have any concerns, as well as replacing the current internal review process with a 'direct escalation' to the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service.

The move follows widespread dissatisfaction with Ofsted among the education sector.

• Click here for the findings from our Ofsted survey

The aim of the proposed changes is to make it easier for providers to complain and resolve complaints more quickly through improved dialogue between the inspectorate and early years settings and schools.

This will mean the administrative burden is reduced on those making a complaint, says Ofsted, as well as increase ‘transparency in the process’.

The proposals outlined in the consultation include:

• 'Enhancing' on-site professional dialogue during inspections to help address any issues before the end of the inspection visit.
• Introducing a new opportunity for providers to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection if they have any unresolved concerns. Calls will be answered by inspectors relevant to the concern and not the inspector who carried out the inspection.
• Introducing new arrangements for finalising reports and considering formal challenges to inspection outcomes.
• Replacing the current internal review process with a direct escalation to the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) and adding a new periodic review of closed complaints, using external representatives from the sectors inspected by Ofsted.

In March, Ofsted confirmed to Nursery World that it was looking into its complaints process.

The consultation, which is open from today (12 June to Friday 15 September,) is one of a number of changes announced by the inspectorate today. Most of the changes apply just to schools.

Ofsted said it will publish a report on the outcome of the consultation on its website.

• The consultation is here