DECP response to Ofsted school inspections reforms
Our Division of Educational and Child Psychology welcomes the changes but says more needs to be done to support mental health of children and staff in schools.
12 June 2023
Schools in England graded inadequate over child welfare will have another inspection sooner to give them chance to improve their rating, the Government has said today.
Other reforms include changes to the inspection processes, a revised complaints procedure and new wellbeing investment from government.
The changes come after a debate about the impact of school inspections following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life after her Reading school was downgraded from outstanding to inadequate by Ofsted.
Today's announcement follows a statement by Ofsted's Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman in April, which anticipated some of the changes. Some reforms will take effect immediately whilst others will be introduced from September this year.
Dr Sarah Chestnutt, Committee Member of the DECP, said:
"The DECP welcomes news of updates to the school inspection process. In particular, the DfE pledge to increase investment in the Education Support fund for school leaders and plans to expand the mental health and wellbeing offer, as well as greater clarity around the year in which schools will be inspected.
"However, more needs to be done to support the mental health of children and young people in education settings and the wellbeing of school leaders to ensure that both children and adults are safeguarded from harm."