How long does it take from Ofsted inspection to finding out what a schools grade is?

[MirandaWest]

DCs school is being inspected this week (today and tomorrow). Was wondering how long it takes for the school to find out, and then when parents get told. I realise getting it on the website takes a bit longer.

[roisin]

The school get some very rudimentary feedback on the day that the inspectors leave. But they're not allowed to publish that or announce it in any way.

Unless there are problems (ie if the school contests the draft report), then it is supposed to be published within 2 weeks (not including school holidays). and copies should go home to parents then.

[Meglet]

When the DC's nursery were assessed they knew how they had done on the day but couldn't tell a soul until the official report came through a couple of weeks later.

[PandaNot]

10 working days usually.

[lljkk]

I want to say typically 2 weeks. Up to 6 weeks for the full report to be made available.

[ihearsounds]

Not long. But you do realise that they arent really worth the paper, imho, they are written on. The school know in advance of visit.

[DameEnidsOrange]

Is that the same with an academy does anyone know?

[OhYoubadbadKitten]

Ihear they only get half a days notice now.

[MirandaWest]

Thank you everyone. I realise that Ofsted reports don't necessarily bear much resemblence to reality but can't help being interested :)

The letter we got yesterday from school containing the lead inspector's letter suggested that the school found out yesterday as it was dated yesterday and said "we have just told your child's school that we will inspect it..."

[letseatgrandma]

The school know in advance of visit.

The school don't know the verdict before Ofsted have arrived!

[redskyatnight]

Don't know if it is standard but DD's school got phone call from Ofsted at 1pm on the day before they came in i.e. half a day's notice.

[TalkinPeace2]

www.ofsted.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/inspection--forms-and-guides/t/The%20framework%20for%20school%20inspection%20from%20September%202012.pdf
Page 21
the school are notified at Midday the day before the inspectors arrive

[DanFmDorking]

The OFSTED inspector will (probably / almost certainly) tell the Head straight away about the overall grade (Grade 1 Outstanding, Grade 2 Good, Grade 3 Satisfactory, Grade 4 Inadequate). After that, the Head will probably not make a public announcement until the Governors and Staff are formally told, (probably in a staff meeting). Then, probably, a letter will go out to pupils / parents (all interested parties) within a day or so announcing the result. You may then obtain the full report from the school.


If there is a longer delay I would be guessing the school is disputing some of the report's findings. The report will eventually appear on the OFSTED web site after about four to six weeks.

[teacherwith2kids]

The amount of warning has changed with effect from September 2012.

Schools are now only told the day before, any time from midday up to the end of the school day.

After the inspection, the result cannot be announced 'properly' to parents for at least a couple of weeks - the draft report is submitted and may be moderated, and the school can also dispute it and give feedback, and all this must happen before a formal notice goes out to parents.

The Head and Chair of Governors should get a very good indication oif the result at the end of the inspection, and depending on how discreet the head is, a coded indication of this result will usually be communicated to staff almost immediately. However this result is not 'official' until the inspection report actually comes out. This is to avoid the situation of a result being communicated but then being changed after Ofsted internal moderation or through schools challenging the outcome.

A longer timescale may not indicate any kind of 'real' issue. Our inspection report had a material error of fact in it [it didn't relate to, or influence, the outcome of the report - it was about the precise age range the school covered - but it was nevertheless clearly wrong] so there was some to-ing and fro-ing to get it changed.

[teacherwith2kids]

Dan, the Satisfactory grading has also disappeared wef September 2012. It has been replaced with 'Requires Improvement'.

[DanFmDorking]

teacher - ooops - yes, you're right - sorry.

[MirandaWest]

Had school newsletter today which mentioned the inspection and says as soon as they receive confirmation from Ofsted we will be told the grading.

[webwiz]

DS's school had an Ofsted inspection on 10th and 11th October. The grade was certainly alluded to by the end of the 11th as DS told me what it was! The report dated 23rd October was on the school website soon after that date and we got a letter confirming the outcome from the head.

[Ruprekt]

I know this thread is old but.....

We had Ofsted in November and still, as staff, do not know the result!

[SapphireMoon]

It must be being disputed Ruprekt....
Unfortunately not a good sign...

[Littlefish]

I agree with sapphire - it means that the school is disputing the OFSTED judgement, which I've only ever known to happen when a school has moved into "requires improvement" or one of the other lower categories.

[Ruprekt]

Thought as much.

[titchy]

Our school disputed its good last year - felt it should have had outstanding!