Ofsted has updated its policies on complaints handling including pausing an inspection in exceptional circumstances.
The regulator hopes that its new policy will make its handling complaints process fairer, thorough and efficient.
The changes have been brought in following last year’s consultation and now include allowing providers to challenge factual inaccuracies and seek a review of their inspection once they receive a draft version of their report. It also allows a direct complaints route to the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO).
The complete series of changes include:
- Enhanced opportunities for on-site professional dialogue
- A new opportunity for providers to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection
- Formal challenge routes:
- Fast-track route for points of clarity or factual accuracy
- Formal complaint route to review the inspection findings and judgement
- Direct complaint escalation route to ICASO
