2019 inspection framework: exclusive interview with Ofsted

Last reviewed on 21 March 2019
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 34830

Here’s what Ofsted's deputy director for schools, Matthew Purves, had to say about on-site inspection time, the EBacc, the controversial ‘Outstanding’ grade, and more.

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Contents

  1. Why do we need a new framework?
  2. How long will it take to fully embed the new framework?
  3. On-site preparation time: can the headteacher leave the school site?
  4. Will not looking at internal data raise the stakes for external data?
  5. Why the emphasis on EBacc, if we can decide our own curriculum?
  6. How will you judge a school in a challenging area?
  7. How will you ensure judgements are consistent?
  8. Why are you changing the framework now?
  9. Why do we still have the 'Outstanding' grade?
  10. Final words: 'think about your curriculum, but not for Ofsted'

Why do we need a new framework?

  • Standards have risen in schools over the last 20 years, but our accountability system means we've become focused on the data rather than the actual education that's taking place
  • The 'quality of education' judgement is the heart of the new framework. The point is not to have a conversation about outcomes in one place and teaching in another, but to have a single conversation that asks:
    • What is it you want children to learn?
    • How does that translate into classroom practice?
    • How is that curriculum passed on through teaching?
    • How does that flow into the standards that children achieve?'

Thinking about the curriculum is hard, and it's a process to translate that thinking into practice Your curriculum isn't just about the exam syllabus. Think about the end points you want pupils to get to, the key concepts they need to understand to get there,

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