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Original poster

Ofsted outstanding - approx 300 schools not visited in a decade

36 replies

whotheeff · 02/09/2019 15:04

This makes be so angry and confirms my suspicions that people paying higher property prices for an 'outstanding' school are having the wool pulled over their eyes.

I've often said failing schools being turned around, with new management and leadership, or 'good' schools are often far better bets for our children than and outstanding school resting on its laurels for 10 years with no fear of further inspection.

apple.news/Ah6rk6LQXRXew3DTWIrK1ag

OP posts:
herculepoirot2 · 02/09/2019 18:50

It’s not right to say that if there were problems they’d be reinspected, loads dropped to inadequate when an inspection was finally triggered, and schools don’t become inadequate overnight.

It is correct to say that if the results dropped they were inspected. Obviously that doesn’t mean they are still outstanding environments, just that they weren’t left entirely to get on with it.

noblegiraffe · 02/09/2019 18:40

It was Sam Freedman who came up with this and he now admits it was a bad idea. The education leak says it’s all set to change soon and they’ll be back on the inspection cycle.

It’s not right to say that if there were problems they’d be reinspected, loads dropped to inadequate when an inspection was finally triggered, and schools don’t become inadequate overnight.

ChloeDecker · 02/09/2019 18:25

It’s strange to think that if they had an NQT start a year after that inspection, they could have been teaching for 9 years and never had an Ofsted inspection. Very jealous! (School near me last Ofsted’d as outstanding in 2007, which is even crazier!)

Piggywaspushed · 02/09/2019 16:43

We went from 2008 until 2018 without an inspection. that didn't mean we weren't scrutinised. The minute results dipped, they were in!

The regular inspection for outstanding schools thing was a cost saving exercise so extra money will be needed.

herculepoirot2 · 02/09/2019 16:17

I agree it’s wrong, but the logic is that the results speak for themselves.

clary · 02/09/2019 16:15

The most prestigious state secondary near me has not been inspected since 2008 IIRC. Tbf it is a self fulfilling prophesy that it will be successful - popular, pushes prices up, richer people with more time and engagement in their kids' education, teachers want to work there so they can choose the best... Not saying I am in favour BTW and as it goes, my DC could have gone there (possibly) but we chose a more local option.

But yes, it's ridiculous. The whole staff could have changed in that time.

herculepoirot2 · 02/09/2019 16:03

It is the case. Obviously there are other things that need to be inspected, but if the results dip that can trigger an inspection.

BubblesBuddy · 02/09/2019 15:59

I think many people are more canny than to move to an expensive area because a school was outstanding 10 years ago. People do better homework than an old Ofsted report. All the on line data tells you if the school is still doing well and many leafy lane ones will still be good or better.

I do think these schools should be inspected but many previously outstanding ones have been due to poor progress and attainment of the children in more recent times. I would bet that all the outstanding Grammars around me are still outstanding!

Original poster
whotheeff · 02/09/2019 15:33

'At the moment, ‘outstanding’ schools are not regularly inspected. Ofsted visits only if concerns have been raised about a school’s performance.'

Seems VERY vague!

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.tes.com/news/outstanding-schools-no-longer-exempt-inspection%3famp

OP posts:
Original poster
whotheeff · 02/09/2019 15:30

@herculepoirot2 I don't think that is the case and there are so many other things inspected that can only be observed in school.

'Since 2012, once rated outstanding, English schools have been exempt from routine inspections to free them from external intervention.'

www.theguardian.com/education/2019/sep/01/outstanding-schools-to-lose-ofsted-exemption

OP posts:
herculepoirot2 · 02/09/2019 15:23

Their results have to stay outstanding in order for them to avoid inspection.

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