Ofsted new inspection framework 2012

The shape of school inspection for maintained schools and academies is changing from January 2012. Following a period of consultation and the piloting of the new proposals in schools, Ofsted have reviewed the arrangements for school inspections to reflect provisions in the Education Bill.

As a result, from January 2012, inspectors will concentrate on four key areas:

the achievement of pupils
the quality of teaching
the quality of leadership and management
the standards of behaviour and safety

The new framework is designed to ensure that inspections have a stronger impact on driving improvement in education and the raising of achievement for all pupils.

Ofsted: HMI briefing on the new school inspection framework

School Effectiveness held a briefing session on the new school inspection framework in December 2011. The event was an opportunity for Ealing headteachers, chairs of governors and professionals working with schools to understand more about the new framework that comes into effect in January 2012.

The session was led by Carmen Rodney and included:

presentation on key changes to the inspection process and framework
focus on the four key areas for assessment: achievement; quality of teaching; behaviour and safety; leadership and management
lessons from pilot inspections to support schools in preparing for Ofsted
discussion on some of the key developments including: assessing the impact of teaching on learning; assessing pupil progress; gathering the views of pupils, parents and staff; freedom from bullying; self-evaluation

Ofsted resources used at briefing

The new arrangements, which reflect provisions in the Education Bill, follow an extensive consultation and detailed piloting of the proposals in schools. Building on the strengths of the current system they are designed to ensure that inspection will have an even stronger impact on driving improvements in education and raising achievement for all pupils.

For more information please see below resources:

framework presentation with notes (pdf) - used at the briefing

The following pages are available on the Ofsted website:

Ofsted video introductions

The following videos could be a useful tool for any internal training for those schools preparing for inspection under the new framework.