Hundreds of schools could lose their Outstanding OFSTED rating...

[MayaAngelCool]

here

I actually think this sounds a good idea, though I think the article doesn't explain the arguments against it particularly well.

I can't help thinking that if they want to raise the standard of primary teaching, abolishing SATs would be a constructive way to start, as it would give teachers a lot more room to actually teach and infuse a love of learning, rather than focusing all that effort on exam preparation.

custard, there are also many 'satisfactory' schools that are doing very, very well by their pupils and families. 'Outstanding' schools also 'pull out all the stops' to get the grade - the problem is Ofsted/League tables etc.

My neighbour just moved her year 6 and year 4 children from an 'outstanding' primary because she was sick of them doing SATS papers for whole of KS2, to one on a 'notice to improve' because this schools teaches a broad curriculum including music, art and performance. She and they are much happier and actually disagree with Ofsted's judgement of the school.

I don't particularly disagree with you, custard - my main concern are the relationships between the DfE, Ofsted, the academy chains and the way that Ofsted is being used politically.

Your 'if you worked in an office' analogy doesn't really make any point, though. Round my way it would be 'if you worked in an office and managed to get in on time and do a good job despite the council moving your family around single roomed accommodation every few weeks, that you have nowhere quiet to do your homework and no-one at home who can read it' to capture the reality of how much it takes for some students to demonstrate 'satisfactory' progress.