Ofsted announces “phased return” to inspections
By Rachel Lawler
Ofsted has new plans for a “phased return” to inspections in 2021 following the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting in the spring term, Ofsted will begin a programme of “assurance inspections” which will confirm whether or not providers are meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Providers will be prioritised for these based on the length of time since their last inspection. More details about these "assurance inspections" is expected in the coming weeks.
Ofsted will not begin routine graded inspections again until the summer term of 2021.
Summer term 2021
Amanda Spielman, chief inspector at Ofsted, said: “The usual level of scrutiny within the education and care system has been absent since last March, so it’s important that it returns next year as we all hope for a greater level of normality. But we understand the pressure that everyone in education and social care is working under and we want to return to our usual work in a measured, sensitive and practical way.
"We will not re-introduce graded inspections to schools and colleges before April. During the spring term, we will use supportive monitoring inspections to help those that most need it, focused on how well pupils and students are learning. Routine inspections in early years and social care are also planned for the summer term, but regulatory work will continue in the interim.
"Our role is to offer the greatest assurance we can to parents and the public about the quality of education and care arrangements for children and learners. These plans will help us support the providers who are facing the greatest challenges during these difficult times. They will ensure that inspection is fair, safe and valuable, while remaining true to our core purpose and principles.”
Pilot inspections
Ofsted says that it will be working with sector representatives ahead of the return to routine inspections. It also plans to run a series of pilot visits “where necessary”.