how accurate are ofsted reports in your experiencr?

[georgedawes]

Would be interested in both parents and teachers views.

On phone so sorry about grammar btw.

Have been to visit local school which I liked a lot and have no qualms sending dd there. It is also the only real option in any case as live in a rural area. I've spoken to lots of parents and all speak highly of the school too. It's ofsted rating however is only satisfactory.

Like I said, I'm still happy to send dd there as I liked the ethos and feel of the school. I'm just curious how accurate others find ofsteds ratings?

[HSMMaCM]

DDs primary was graded satisfactory and it was fantastic.

[darksideofthemooncup]

I have a friend who worked as an OFSTED inspector. She told me that the parameters they have to score within are so rigid that they can never be a true reflection. For example,if there is a high turnover of staff within a year, regardless of reason (they don't account for maternity leave) then the school will lose marks.
The school my Dd goes to had a satisfactory Ofsted report last year but it is a thriving, happy and forward thinking school and I'm glad she goes there.

[ipadquietly]

I think Ofsted have lost credibility as the framework has changed too frequently over the past ten years. I don't think you can have a 'regulatory body' that changes tack so much, and changes criteria for excellence so easily.

No-one really knows where they are or what to believe - parents, teachers, head teachers, unions - and, eventually, no-one will give a toss.

This is bound to get worse as academies are inspected - how are the inspections going to account for each school having its own curriculum, when the new national curriculum is being followed in maintained schools? How will Ofsted judge progress?