Ofsted and parents

[lizzie198012]

Hi all,
How does everyone find Ofsted's relationship with parents? I was struck by reading the Ofsted review into sexual abuse at schools and thought I'd want Ofsted or the school to let me know if my kids were going to be interviewed about it before it happened. Is Ofsted generally good at speaking to parents when there's a problem at schools? Or do parents just have to get in touch first?

Thanks

I haven't heard good things from those who have had direct contact. I don't think they engage with parents, other than when they have complaints reach them, after all other processes and appeals have failed.

I think it's possible that they are finally realising their role needs to be far more proactive if some of the issue schools now face are to be dealt with on a national level.

Ofsted head: “I just want girls to be proud of being girls” woman’s hour now www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4276419-Ofsted-head-I-just-want-girls-to-be-proud-of-being-girls-woman-s-hour-now

The Times investigation and subsequent Everyone's Invited campaign makes it difficult for them to ignore.

(Some of the historic threads about Warwickshire PSHE will maybe explain more. That is something that should have certainly been sorted by OFSTED IMO but it was left to the parents who were eventually successful in removing that particular programme from the schools.)

so interesting about the Warwickshire case and parents having to change instead of Ofsted

I mean, change the situation, as Ofsted were laying still

Ofsted don't really "interview" pupils during inspections, not on a one-on-one basis, but they do speak to pupils when they're on site. For example if an inspector is observing a lesson being taught, they'd probably say hello to one or two pupils and ask what they think about the lesson, what they've been learning, see if they are actually following and understand the concepts being taught. Give the kids the classic opportunity to dob their teacher in by saying they've never seen Mr X in a tie before or they've been strictly told to be on best behaviour and not shout things out like they usually do!

It varies between schools and age groups, but inspectors would also usually ask the school to offer a list of pupils who could be spoken to in a bit more depth - for example a list of higher achievers and below average achievers, or if they're focused on particular areas like the school's support for kids with SEND then a selection of pupils with those additional needs. The inspectors then pick some to speak to as a group, where they can get views on what life is like for those pupils at the school, what lessons do they enjoy, do they know how to get help if they need it, if they have any concerns about bullying, do teachers listen if they raise those concerns, what they feel the school does well or less well, etc. That would be done without teachers present so pupils aren't put off raising concerns - inspectors are all former/current senior teachers themselves with CRBs etc and it's as a group so they're not alone with children. It shouldn't be an interrogation, it's just a way to get views from pupils of what the school is like, and if kids don't want to take part they should be able to ask not to!

Schools are notified the day before an inspection takes place and they have to then inform parents - to give you the opportunity to complete the online Parent View survey or contact Ofsted with any concerns you want to flag with inspectors. So if you were concerned and really didn't want your child selected to speak to inspectors in that group basis you could ask the school to make sure they weren't put forward.