Ofsted ratings

[PostladyPat]

Hi. Trying to choose a school for out DS in County Durham. He is Y6

I have talked to parents and gone on open days but bit confused that some of the Ofsted ratings are so old. One was touting its "outstanding " rating from 2011...🧐

I know they are one factor in deciding a school but I'm finding the whole process quite pressured. My son just wants to go where his friends are going.

How important do you think the Ofsted ratings are? Thanks

I would read the whole report and look at what has caused the result. We chose a school that had a lesser rating for primary because pastorally it was excellent, we can back up academics ourselves.

At secondary level, the school that would be easier and logical logistically has a poor rating due to systemic bullying being brushed under the carpet and inconsistent handling by staff. Whereas another school, not quite as easy to get to, has the same overall rating but pastorals excellent, downgraded because of perceived lack of options and stretch further on.

We decided that given the review the school would actively be improving that, whereas it is hard to change the culture and feel of a school...which was super important to us.

Very waffly, but as DD has just started yr 7 we had no open days or whatever and I have actually not set foot past reception in her secondary as yet so all we could go on was Ofsted and word of mouth from staff, parents etc.

As a school staff member/teacher however, I always take Ofsted with a pinch of salt and use as just one factor of many

Be very cautious of the old outstanding ones - I worked as a supply a few years ago and those were the worst to work in. I’m sure some are good but 5+ years can make a big difference - different children, different staff and complacency makes the previous rating meaningless. Overall I don’t think OFSTED ratings are that important - if you got a good feeling during the open days or visits and have heard good things from other parents then that’s much more important.

Personally I disregard any rating from more than 3-4 years ago.
Look at other data instead like Progress scores etc

Any Ofsted over 3/4 years old is irrelevant