The Ofsted Framework for September 2009 states in para 12 “Regulations from September 2009 require all schools to be inspected within five years …….. including special schools and pupil referral units. Para 16 states “From September 2009, schools judged good or outstanding at their previous inspection are inspected at approximately five year intervals…”
BUT in the Ofsted National Dissemination Conferences in June, slide 13, bullet-point four states – “Special schools will be inspected every three years. The nature of their indicators means that inspectors need to look at data on-site to evaluate pupils’ attainment, learning and progress”
This means that special schools who achieved good or outstanding judgements in the autumn term 2006 are likely to be inspected next term. There appears to be some mixed messages.
We are actively seeking an urgent meeting at the highest level in Ofsted to seek further clarification and to fully discuss this, but suggest schools that were inspected in 2006 are “on their guard”
Paul Williams Chair of Special Education Committee.
Note: if members wish to discuss this further please contact Jan Myles HQ Officer, by email janm@naht.org.uk
