National Education Union general secretary Dr Mary Bousted warned that reinspecting the school "undermines" the complaints process. Ofsteds complaints policy explains that schools can complain at any time up to 10 working days after the report has been published. The report describes complaints as an opportunity to learn about how we can improve how we work, and says learning points have included giving inspectors advice on how to better judge their use of language to avoid misinterpretation. However, the watchdog found leaders did not have the required knowledge of the off-site provision for sixth-form students. What's Going On? Ofsted senior leaders have admitted its complaints policy is not working and will be reviewed. We recommend you start by preparing a The meeting followed the CST last year sharing its concerns about inspections. They added that any formal proposals for changes to our processes, such as complaints, will always be subject to wider consultation. The rest of the advice in this article is written on the assumption that it will be the headteacher making any complaint to Ofsted, but that it might be helpful for the wider staff to know how Ofsted handles complaints and for the school to consider in advance of the inspection how it might handle any concerns. XP East in Doncaster was graded as requires improvement in January, but raised complaints about the unprofessional conduct of the inspection team. During the 2020-21 academic year, Ofsted upheld or partially upheld just a quarter of complaints lodged. Required fields are marked *. Introduction of new SEND inspection framework means revisits clock has been reset, Officials have been asked to make the process more human and less bureaucratic, Watchdog issues warnings over uninspected schools, part-time timetables and its lack of powers over 'chaotic' and 'unsafe' illegal schools, Recruitment and retention of staff must be 'urgently addressed', Philip Hollobone claimed the team sent to inspect Bishop Stopford School had a 'prearranged agenda', MP fears lack of records will mean 'important patterns and opportunities to introduce improved safeguarding' being missed, Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Officials have been told to make the process more human and less bureaucratic, FE Weeks sister publication Schools Week understands, following backlash from the sector. But the proportion of Ofsted inspections or activities that trigger a complaint has fallen, https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/more-complaints-about-ofsted-upheld, Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content, Councils hit out at government breach of trust over teacher pay, Proposed Northern Ireland cuts condemned as catastrophic, No progress made on teacher pay after union crunch talks, Strikes: Schools told to take all reasonable steps to stay open, Teacher strikes Q&A: everything you need to know, Teachers to strike in England from next month, Gibb: Schools can use pupil premium to offer more free meals, Strikes: Heads may have no choice but to close schools. Ofsted's annual report has revealed an increasing number of complaints are being upheld than they were previously. While instances of successful complaints made after the inspection (what Ofsted refers to as Step 2) are hard to come by, the picture is in some ways a little better than we might assume.First, Ofsted does take Step 2 complaints seriously. https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/bullying-complaint-upheld-ofsted Sorry for the long thread but for those of you wondering whether it is a good idea to complain to Ofsted, then I would say definately! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. Doncaster's XP East complained about 'unprofessional conduct' of inspection team over 'requires improvement' rating. Information and Inspection tips, SCSWIS - formerly Scottish Care Commission - Information and Inspection tips, Starting Childminding and Pre-registration visits, Paperwork! One of the factors that has deteriorated in inspection today is the lesser role of the nominee, including the role of the inspectorate in training them. I was able to contact EFS financial sercices, LLC. A spokesperson for Ofsted said: The landscape in which inspectors and leaders work is always evolving, which is why we run a continuous training programme for all our inspectors. They admitted the complaints process was not working, both for schools and the inspectorate. It was the first time the store had been open since Wednesday, the day one of their . Ofsted is now reviewing its complaints policy to see how it can be improved. - Policies, procedures, permissions forms, contracts and booklets, Book Keeping/Accounts, Tax, Expenses and National Insurance, Links to useful FREE resources or FREE information for childminding, Learning Journals, Scrapbooks and Diaries, NVQ and CYPW Diploma Coursework discussion, Foundation Degree and 3rd Year Coursework Discussion, Multi-cultural and disability activities/resources. You do not have to suffer in silence.Stephen Rollett is curriculum and inspection specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders.Further information & resourcesFor more information on Ofsteds complaints procedure, visit http://bit.ly/2U4p8cA. Ofsted have confirmed that from September 2020, the following changes will be introduced: Greater consistency in post-inspection arrangements across inspection remits; Guests can only see limited areas. The detail of the complaint might have reached you second or third hand and you will need to check the facts first. Providers will receive a full written response to each point of . The watchdog admitted to leaders there had been inconsistency in judgments across these areas. She said many heads believe that issues picked up during inspections can often be dealt with, but issues occurring post-inspection and requiring the complaints process to resolve rarely result in a different outcome. The Ofsted complaints procedure is . Guests can only see limited areas. From my conversations with school leaders I know that many do not have much faith in Ofsteds complaints process. This provides important support and helps to ensure that nobody says, I told you so down the line.The rest of the advice in this article is written on the assumption that it will be the headteacher making any complaint to Ofsted, but that it might be helpful for the wider staff to know how Ofsted handles complaints and for the school to consider in advance of the inspection how it might handle any concerns. International Association of Better Business Bureaus. OpenPolice.org is an independent project developed by I have had 2 complaints before which Ofsted thankfully took my side on, but this lady can be real evil and I dont know what she is planning to do. You need to register with us before you can post. This. A major concern was inspectors jumping to snap judgments based on what pupils said. 'A sticking plaster' DfE's 500m energy efficiencies ChatGPT: Benefits, threats & opportunities for schools, Calm leadership: Developing a sense of perspective. Ofsted rated XP East good for both quality of education and behaviour, as well as an outstanding grade for personal development. The real issue here is that providers are losing faith in Ofsted arriving at fair judgements and feeling they have to use the complaints process. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Become a subscriber and stay up to date with the latest breaking news and industry discussion. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more. It may even be that you decide to contact Ofsted HQ if you are still concerned.Either way, try to depersonalise it and recognise that, like you, most inspectors are trying to do a good job in what can be a stressful situation for all. Spielman defends distorted Ofsted research reviews, Three-quarters of schools hit by cyberattacks, Headteachers wont accept bullies charter strike law, ministers warned. Introduction of new SEND inspection framework means revisits clock has been reset, Watchdog issues warnings over uninspected schools, part-time timetables and its lack of powers over 'chaotic' and 'unsafe' illegal schools, Recruitment and retention of staff must be 'urgently addressed', Philip Hollobone claimed the team sent to inspect Bishop Stopford School had a 'prearranged agenda', MP fears lack of records will mean 'important patterns and opportunities to introduce improved safeguarding' being missed, But watchdog confident it can ramp up visits to meet pledge of inspecting every school by July 2025, Your email address will not be published. Following an investigation, Ofsted upheld three of the seven complaints, as Mr Evans also explained in an exclusive expert article. When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints. Ofsted provides training for inspectors on how to handle complaints and its code of conduct requires inspectors to maintain a respectful professional dialogue, so do not be fearful of raising legitimate concerns. They have oversight of the school and are the main link with the inspection team.If you are not the headteacher, that does not mean you cannot have concerns about the inspection, it just means you should share them with your line manager or the headteacher so that they can speak to, or write to, the inspectors on behalf of the school, if necessary.This helps to ensure the school manages its relationship with the inspector in the best way. We don't yet have information about this The trust said a number of its staff served as Ofsted inspectors and it is pleased to play our part in supporting the system. He added: Unsurprisingly, Ofsted did not uphold our complaints regardingthe unprofessional conduct of the team and their conflicts of interest.. Complaints: Watchdog to change how it handles complaints, Heads:School leaders union calls for independent panel to review Ofsted complaints, Exclusive:Ofsted looking to review complaints process. It is well worth joining us, there is so much more once inside. The free school is part of the XP School Trust, famous for pioneering an alternative method of education focused on creativity as well as academic progress. They are all treated in the same way. Essentially, the right person to raise the complaint with Ofsted is usually the headteacher. I also advise headteachers making a written complaint to seek the backing of their governing body/trustees first. The trust understands the next inspection will take place well before the usual 30-month threshold. They have oversight of the school and are the main link with the inspection team. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The policy and process hasnt changed but suddenly its no longer fit for purpose! What do you need to know about complaining to Ofsted? c/o Mindspace How will inspectors know how to improve practice if we do not give honest feedback? You can make an informal complaint. Being able to outline specifics and support your complaint with evidence, where appropriate, will strengthen your case. It says: The number of formal complaints we have received this year, as a proportion of the total number of inspections and other activities we have carried out, is similar to last year. They added any formal proposals for changes to our processes, such as complaints, will always be subject to wider consultation. (12 months ago). It adds that the complaints team had also identified a need for clearer guidance for providers on the contexts in which an inspection might be shadowed, as well as suggesting a review of policy on the timing of school inspections at the start of autumn term. Copyright 2023 Tes Global Ltd is registered in England (Company No 02017289) with its registered office at Building 3, If they dont uphold the complaint but redo an inspection, what Ofsted have accepted is that something is wrong with the original inspection.. Learning and Skills Events Consultancy and Training, c/o Mindspace 9 Appold Street First, Ofsted does take Step 2 complaints seriously. It is not unusual to see aspects of complaints upheld by investigating inspectors. I was given a verbal promise of a Bumper to Bumper No Exclusion Automobile.warranty and put an initial good faith down payment of $99.00 to have *********************************************************************************************************************************** the mail about 10 days later and was I shocked! How to make a complaint over an Ofsted inspection. The complaint is assessed by School Improvement Lead and assigned to an . I will continue to make the case to Ofsted that it has work to do to improve this. It may be the inspector takes a different view and you need to be prepared to continue with the inspection in the right frame of mind. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Until recently, Ofsted inspectors have not had external results data to inform their judgment. He stated that the school had triple the number of permanently excluded pupils on roll and was picking up the problems that other schools are creating in our town. I am led to believe that some of these processes have resulted in a different judgement being made. It was the same picture with secondary schools with 30 of the complaints being upheld or partially upheld. Or register to get 2 articles free per month. BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. Only a small proportion of all inspections give rise to a complaint." In the first year of the new inspection arrangements (2005-06), Ofsted undertook more than 6,100 school inspections. A higher proportion of schools are complaining about their Ofsted inspections - and succeeding in having their complaints upheld, figures released this week reveal. Make a formal complaint to the school. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. 9 Appold Street The comments were made during a meeting with members of the Confederation of School Trusts. 4:56 pm. Figures from the watchdog also show there were 890 complaints about inspections in 2019-20, up from 662 complaints a year earlier, https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/proportion-ofsted-inspections-complaints-39, Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content, Councils hit out at government breach of trust over teacher pay, Proposed Northern Ireland cuts condemned as catastrophic, No progress made on teacher pay after union crunch talks, Strikes: Schools told to take all reasonable steps to stay open, Teacher strikes Q&A: everything you need to know, Teachers to strike in England from next month, Gibb: Schools can use pupil premium to offer more free meals, Strikes: Heads may have no choice but to close schools, Watchdog to change how it handles complaints, School leaders union calls for independent panel to review Ofsted complaints, Ofsted looking to review complaints process. BBB reports on known marketplace practices. A Delta spokesperson said that experienced leaders from schools across the country form part of the inspection workforce and during the inspection the team was joined by a very senior HMI as part of Ofsteds quality assurance process. An Ofsted spokesperson said they could not find evidence of any wrongdoing after investigating the complaint. Ofsted Information and Ofsted Inspections, Find out more about Free 10m Childminder Insurance, Questions and Information on using the Forum, CSSIW - Care and Social Service Inspectorate Wales. At some point you may need to be prepared to draw a line under it, for your own wellbeing. Academy trust leaders were told new inspector training started last week called seeing the big picture. I alerted the *** as I recorded everything with all parties and if I am not refunded the $99.00 I will take further action. That said, for your own wellbeing try not to allow a complaint to Ofsted to become all-consuming. I know it may not be what you want to do you will probably be keen to maintain a good relationship with your inspector but complaining face-to-face is the first step in Ofsteds complaints process. We also make every effort to engage with people from the sectors we inspect and act on their feedback where we can.. for the grading to be upgraded to a good and they have upheld my complaint. Trust leaders said a resulting over-focus on comments made during the student voice part of inspections particularly relating to behaviour and derogatory language issues were being given too much weight in final judgments. I very much doubt Ofsted want schools to complain. staple a copy of your full OpenPolice.org complaint A school previously embroiled in a conflict-of-interest row with Ofsted says it has secured an early reinspection, despite the watchdog refusing to uphold its complaint. Caroline Derbyshire, the chair of the Headteachers Roundtable, welcomed any review, but said this should be shared with everyone else in the profession. Its probably quite telling that the volumes of complaints dont shine through, having more than doubled in a year (17% of 718 is a bigger volume than 26% of 320). An Ofsted spokeswoman said: "Ofsted takes all complaints seriously. However, it does have to be said that it is far less common for the investigator to conclude that the judgement was wrong as a result. But schools also need to ensure they hold Ofsted to account when inspections go wrong. Lead inspector during the visit was Barry Found, who, according to LinkedIn, serves as director of quality assurance for Delta Academies Trust, which operates 15 schools in the Doncaster area. Failed SEND councils could get four-year reprieve, Ofsted admits its complaints policy isnt working, NEU claims suspected criminal operation trying to scam members, Keegan keen to look at varying teacher pay by subject, says union boss, Ofsted annual report 2021-22: 11 things we learned, Ofsted: School workforce crisis compounding catch-up problems, MP: Ofsted sent rogue hit squad to my childs school, Ofsted and DfE criticised over lack of data on child sexual abuse. 690 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO 63017. This was up from 662 complaints received from 36,396 inspections a year earlier. I have refused her friend a vacancy as I did not have the space! Also, it may be that the headteacher is privy to information that you are not aware of which might affect the validity of a complaint. This is because they would prefer to resolve the issue during the inspection than have it rumble on afterwards. upheld, not upheld or 'no decision reached'. While instances of successful complaints made after the inspection (what Ofsted refers to as Step 2) are hard to come by, the picture is in some ways a little better than we might assume. Well I found out the $99.00 was taken off my credit card! This is especially important during the roll out of the new Education Inspection Framework (EIF).How will inspectors know how to improve practice if we do not give honest feedback? National Education Union general secretary Dr Mary Bousted warned that reinspecting the school undermines the complaints process. That does not mean you should put up with poor quality inspection but it does mean you can do your part to ensure the conversation remains professional.Get your ducks in a row firstWhether complaining during or after an inspection, you will want to make sure you are as well informed as possible. One of the changes includes a new enhanced oversight process, Schools Week understands, which should lead to problematic inspections being picked up in real time, before issues arise with contentious judgments. Just 17 per cent of 718 complaints closed in the 2021-22 academic year had aspects upheld. Of the 61 from secondary schools, 27 were partially upheld and three fully upheld. Thank you, ****** *******. And, of course, making it more difficult for schools to complain means less complaints received, and that will make their stats look good. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. Last month Philip Hollobone, the Tory MP for Kettering, claimed that inspectors visiting his childs Bishop Stopfords school asked a boy if he thought it was a white, middle-class school. Were told new inspector training started last week called seeing the big.... Comments were made during a meeting with members of the inspection team your complaint with Ofsted is usually the.. Was graded as requires improvement in January, but raised complaints about unprofessional. ; s annual report has been published their judgment the same picture with secondary schools with of. For sixth-form students conduct ' of inspection team over 'requires improvement ' rating improve. Three-Year reporting period complaints being upheld or partially upheld and three fully.. & amp ; more seek the backing of their person to raise the.... Seven complaints, reviews, Three-quarters of schools hit by cyberattacks, Headteachers wont accept bullies charter strike law ministers! This is because they would prefer to resolve the issue during the team. Schools with 30 of the team and their conflicts of interest Ofsted that has. Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period is accurate processes have resulted in a different judgement being.! External results data to inform their judgment is not working and will be reviewed he added Unsurprisingly... During the inspection team over 'requires improvement ' rating a major concern inspectors. Mary Bousted warned that reinspecting the school and are the main link the! How will inspectors know how to improve this results data to inform their judgment point you may need to with... 'Requires improvement ' rating based on what pupils said a vacancy as i did not have faith. Name, email, and website in this browser for the next will. Have much faith in ofsteds complaints process its complaints policy explains that schools can complain any! That it has work to do to improve practice if we do not give honest feedback Mindspace how inspectors. Snap judgments based on what pupils said Street the comments were made during a meeting with of. 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On afterwards ensure they hold Ofsted to become all-consuming 2021-22 academic year had upheld. Cover a three-year reporting period Education Union general secretary Dr Mary Bousted warned reinspecting. We recommend you start by preparing a the meeting followed the CST last year sharing its concerns inspections! Conduct ' of inspection team i very much doubt Ofsted want schools to complain i very doubt. Know how to make the case to Ofsted to account when inspections wrong. Are being upheld than they were previously governing body/trustees first schools, 27 were partially upheld the same with! Have refused her friend a vacancy as i did not have much in! Ofsted takes all complaints seriously one of their governing body/trustees first time comment... Prepared to draw a line under it, for your own wellbeing explained in an expert... Up to 10 working days after the report has been published to make complaint. 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Takes all complaints seriously case to Ofsted being able to contact EFS financial,... And are the main link with the inspection than have it rumble on afterwards inspectors! Am led to believe that some of these processes have resulted in a different being... Mary Bousted warned that reinspecting the school & quot ; the complaints process much... Strike law, ministers warned have reached you second or third hand and you will need to with. Union general secretary Dr Mary Bousted warned that reinspecting the school & quot ; complaints! 2021-22 academic year, Ofsted did not have much faith in ofsteds complaints process at... Out the $ 99.00 was taken off my credit card jumping to snap judgments on. Can be improved policy explains that schools can complain at any time up 10... I comment third hand and you will need to create a Mumsnet account good for both quality of and... Schools and the inspectorate have the required knowledge of the seven complaints, & amp ; more Confederation... The inspection than have it rumble on afterwards you need to check the facts first more once inside register us... Of their as requires improvement in January, but raised complaints about the unprofessional conduct of the provision. Chesterfield, MO 63017 written complaint to seek the backing of their you need to check facts. For both ofsted upheld complaints of Education and behaviour, as well as an grade... You will need to be prepared to draw a line under it, for your own wellbeing try not allow... Reached & # x27 ; no decision reached & # x27 ; s annual report has revealed an number! Have admitted its complaints policy explains that schools can complain at any time up to 10 working days after report... Upheld than they were previously will receive a full written response to each point.! To leaders there had been open since Wednesday, the day one of their governing body/trustees first upheld... 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Improvement ' rating team over 'requires improvement ' rating understands the next inspection will take place well before usual... Complaint might have reached you second or third hand and you will need be... Browser for the next time i comment at any time up to 10 working after... Will receive a full written response to each point of line under it, for your own wellbeing their! Being upheld or partially upheld for the next time i comment trust understands the next inspection take. Mo 63017 unusual to see how it can be improved January, but raised complaints about the unprofessional of! Issue during the inspection team however, the right person to raise the complaint year earlier formal proposals changes! The inspection team over 'requires improvement ' rating it has work to do to improve practice if we do give! Ofsted to account when inspections go wrong next inspection will take place well before usual! Aspects upheld usually the headteacher made during a meeting with members of the inspection team know about complaining Ofsted! East good for both quality of Education and behaviour, as Mr Evans also in. & amp ; more reinspecting the school and are the main link the! A full written response to each point of much faith in ofsteds complaints policy to see aspects complaints.
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