Politics
Revolution in School Ratings: UK Scraps Single-Word Ofsted Grades Following Tragic Catalyst
Immediate removal of single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools
This modification comes after consultations with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an Ofsted review.
Political correspondent @fayebrownSky
Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8
The practice of issuing single-word Ofsted evaluations for public schools has been immediately discontinued, a change that is being celebrated as a significant milestone for students.
In the past, the educational oversight body assigned one of four ratings to schools during evaluations: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.
Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced that four new grades will be assigned within the current sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Starting in September 2025, schools will begin issuing report cards that offer a detailed evaluation of their performance, aimed at enhancing the efficacy of inspections and fostering improvements, according to recent announcements.
The adjustment comes after discussions with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an Ofsted evaluation that lowered her Caversham Primary School in Reading from "outstanding" to "inadequate" due to issues related to safeguarding.
In the previous year, it was determined by a coroner's inquest that the inspection procedures played a role in her demise
The Department for Education stated that simplistic single phrase ratings do not offer a just and precise evaluation of a school's overall performance. They believe the modification will aid in eliminating obstacles to opportunities.
Further Details on Bridget Phillipson
Starting next week, free childcare will be offered to children as young as nine months, though the implementation may face some hurdles.
Education secretary cautions that parents might not get their preferred free childcare options.
Students will learn to identify false information and harmful conspiracy theories on the internet following recent disturbances.
Associated Subjects:
On Sky News’ "Breakfast with Kay Burley," Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, “Today we are implementing this alteration because I think it’s important for parents to have better insights into what is happening in our schools, as the current system is failing.”
"The stakes are too high, and it lacks a precise emphasis on improving our educational standards. This is crucial because I desire for every child to receive an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."
The new Labour administration has made reform a key priority, committing to enhance public education quality and increase funds by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.
In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing programs for schools that are underperforming, opting to improve existing frameworks instead of altering leadership.
Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be deployed to assist struggling schools in improving their performance in specific areas of deficiency.
For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.
In situations where schools receive the lowest ratings, indicating severe issues, the government will maintain its policy of stepping in.
The Department for Education (DfE) mentioned that this might involve mandating an academy order that compels maintained schools to transition into academies, potentially resulting in a change of management in certain cases.
Earlier, Ms. Phillipson remarked, "It is abundantly evident that we must reform Ofsted to ensure consistently high and improving standards for every child in every school."
Stay updated with the latest breaking news.
Download the Sky News application at no cost
Discover further details at Sky News: Adele announces an extended break from her music career. Terror organization associated with a plot at a Taylor Swift concert expands its reach.
"Eliminating headline grades represents a significant and historic change for students, parents, and educators alike."
She noted that simplistic headline ratings provide minimal information for parents while carrying significant implications for schools.
"Parents should have access to a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of school performance, and that is exactly what our report cards aim to offer.
"The administration is committed to enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of inspections to foster betterment in schools. We pledged to bring about reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."
For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.
Changes 'might extend beyond current scope'
The news was released as students make their way back to school this week.
The elimination of individual headline grades will be implemented in state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, with plans for similar changes to extend to private schools and colleges in the future.
Stay informed on current events from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.
Teaching unions have expressed support for the plans, having advocated for changes for an extended period.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, commented, "We have consistently stated that oversimplified single-word evaluations are damaging, and we are gratified that the government has acted quickly to eliminate them."
👉 Click here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily podcast – get a 20-minute update on the top stories daily 👈
Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, commended the new government for their correct choice but suggested that they should also challenge the misconception that turning into an academy is the sole way to enhance our schools.
"Today's announcements mark a positive move, but without comprehensive reform to overhaul the fundamental flaws in the accountability system, teachers and school leaders will still be operating within a defective framework," he stated.
Tune into The Politics Hub on Sky News tonight at 7pm.
Associated Subjects
Sky News Bottom Section
Information About Sky News
Services Provided by Sky News
Sky Television Networks
Additional Sky Websites
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.