Update on the new Ofsted Framework and the school SEF (self-evaluation form) from September 2009

Posted by Pam Langmead on Thu 18th Jun 2009 7:11am

Ofsted is introducing new arrangements for the inspection of state-maintained schools from September 2009. A new online self-evaluation form (SEF) will be published in mid-July.

Under the revised framework inspectors will give particular priority to:

  • the well-being of learners and the quality of learning and teaching, including a greater number of classroom observations;
  • the school's capacity to improve;
  • a greater focus on governance, including a judgement on "ensuring that the governing body provides effective challenge and support so that weaknesses are tackled decisively and statutory responsibilities are met";
  • the school's relationship with parents and carers, the promotion of community cohesion, the partnerships with other providers, organisations and services, and the arrangements for safeguarding at the school.

The frequency of inspections will be tailored to the needs and performance of the school. There will be no more "light touch" inspections; instead, schools that are judged to be satisfactory (or worse) will be inspected more frequently than those that are good or outstanding.

A new format for Part A of the SEF has been trialled extensively in pilot inspections during the current academic year. Schools report that it is simpler to understand, takes less time and is a more effective tool for school improvement. A draft model of the SEF is on the website, and will give you an idea of what the new SEF will look like: the live version will be published by Ofsted in mid-July. There are also guidance notes available, which include information about what your school should do if an inspection is due.

Other guidance that you will find essential reading:

Framework for the inspection of maintained schools in England from September 2009

Ofsted Evaluation schedule from September 2009 (including the descriptor for governance)

The guidance for Ofsted inspectors on Conducting the Inspection.

You will be aware that there will be a major focus on safeguarding and child protection in all Ofsted Inspections: in fact, a school that is judged inadequate for safeguarding may be judged inadequate overall (or worse!). A school recently inspected under the new framework (during the pilot) was asked for the following documents to be ready and waiting for the inspectors:

  • Single Central Record
  • List of the designated child protection person, the number 2 person, and their training record
  • The child protection training record for all staff
  • The school's Child Protection/Safeguarding policy
  • The Bullying and Harassment policy
  • The school's log of any incidents of bullying and harassment
  • The school's log of racist incidents
  • The accident book
  • The school's procedures to protect vulnerable children
  • The school's Health and Safety policy

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and schools should not assume that other documents may not be asked for. Additional information that might be helpful could include:

Ofsted has produced a series of briefing papers for inspectors in relation to:

Governance, Safeguarding, Community Cohesion and Healthy Lifestyles and many other aspects of inspection. These give comprehensive guidance on how inspectors will evaluate a school's provision in these areas.