Ofsted Launches New Inspection Approach with Greater Detail for Parents . Ofsted has announced a refreshed inspection framework aimed at giving parents clearer, more detailed information about their children’s education, while ensuring inspections are fairer for teachers and more effective in driving up standards. The new system will come into effect from November.
Under the changes, parents will receive redesigned report cards that highlight both strengths and areas needing improvement across nurseries, schools, and colleges. A new five-point grading scale will be introduced, featuring an “exceptional” grade to recognize outstanding practice and encourage other providers to learn from it.
Institutions identified as requiring improvement will face follow-up monitoring inspections to ensure progress is made quickly. Nurseries and childminders will also be inspected more often, ensuring young children get the strongest possible start in life.
The reforms put a strong emphasis on inclusion, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable children, and commit to a more collaborative inspection process that takes into account staff workload and well-being.
The new grading system will give families more nuanced insight into performance across a wider range of areas. According to a YouGov survey, nearly 70% of parents support the new report cards, with almost nine in ten saying the format is easier to understand than existing reports.
