How important are Ofsted reports when looking at a new school?

[marykat2004]

Hi, we are looking at moving and there are only a few to choose from with a rating over 3 where we are thinking of going.

DD's current school is mostly 1s and 2s but it's quite snobby and she's actually not that happy there.

So... how important are Ofsted ratings when choosing a school?

Not very. I looked round 3 "outstanding" schools for DD when we were looking, 1 was lovely and the other 2 were not very nice, but were good at ticking boxes.

They are deffo worth a read ( if recent) but also visit the school and. He knout their website.

Ofsted are a snapshot in time. They capture those 3 days of inspection.

Schools that have teachers and parents running clubs at lunch or afterschool are probably strong in building a happy school community with committed teachers.

Do they have a variety of opportunities? Dance clubs, gardening clubs, sport, cooking etc so children have a variety of experiences.

It depends what you are looking for. If its academia check out results. If its opportunities then check out what they do.

Ofsted reports can be a bit useful but visiting the schools more important I think. And remember that ofsted reports can be a few years old.

Ofsted reports can provide a glimpse of what the school was like on a particular day nothing more. Many are so far out of date they don't reflect the school in the slightest. We once went 7 years between inspections ... with changes of staff, pupils and leadership.

Agree with all - not very. Will give you hints and a glimpse, as MRZ says, but no more.

Go visit, and trust your instincts