MPs are launching an inquiry into Ofsted’s school inspections and whether they can be improved.
The watchdog has faced pressure to reform after headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life after her school was downgraded to the lowest Ofsted rating.
The inquiry – by cross-party MPs on the Commons Education Select Committee – will look into concerns that the one-word ratings that Ofsted gives to schools may not be conducive to helping schools improve.
MPs will consider the impact of Ofsted inspections on the workload and wellbeing of teachers, school leaders and pupils as part of the inquiry.
Robin Walker, chair of the committee, acknowledged that there has been a “notable groundswell of criticism” towards Ofsted about the impact of inspections and single-word judgments on school staff.
He said: “Ofsted plays a particularly vital role when it comes to safeguarding but ensuring that inspections are proportionate, timely and reasonable is essential to build trust, especially after the tragic passing of headteacher Ruth Perry.”
