Agenda item

Purpose: This report provides an update on the latest Ofsted inspection reports for schools in West Berkshire, and changes to the Ofsted school inspection regime that came into effect in November 2025.

Neil Goddard (Service Director – Education and SEND) presented the report on School Ofsted Inspections (Agenda Item 8).

The following points were raised in the debate:

·       Although Ofsted had appeared keen to listen when engaging with partners, the revised assessment framework did not seem to reflect feedback provided, and there were concerns about how the new inspection process might be implemented. It was stressed that all new inspections would be led by HM Inspectors, which would generate learning that would be shared.

·       It was noted that the tables in the report referred to percentages rather than absolute number of schools.

·       Members asked about the different categories of schools and the Council’s role with each. Officers indicated that they would be happy to explain the categories and stressed that every child educated in West Berkshire was the Council’s responsibility. Members indicated that they would welcome additional training.

Actions:

o   Officers to provide a briefing for Members on the different categories of schools.

o   Members to liaise with Democratic Service re future training needs.

·       It was acknowledged that Ofsted inspections were just one measure of a school’s success.

·       Officers provided reassurance that parents and pupils had an opportunity to contribute to the Ofsted assessment process.

·       It was recognised that one word Ofsted inspection outcomes had been problematic. Although this would be replaced by a scorecard that gave a broader view, it could still not provide a complete picture.

·       Members expressed concern that parents may solely use Ofsted inspection results to choose schools for their children. Officers agreed and recommended that parents visit schools to understand how they could meet their needs. Also, it was noted that periods between inspections could be long, and so inspection results could be out of date.

·       It was noted that every school rated as ‘inadequate’ had an action plan. The Service Director for Education and SEND had termly meetings with the headteacher, chair of governors, and principal school improvement advisor allocated to the school, to monitor implementation of the action plan. Officers also met with Ofsted every half-term, and Ofsted undertook regular monitoring visits with schools.

·       Officers confirmed that they monitored all schools across a range of indicators throughout the year. If they had concerns, then they would raise those with the school. Support could be provided to the governing body, or the governing body could be replaced if appropriate. Officers had support meetings with each school annually. There was also a multi-disciplinary Schools Causing Concern Group, which could put in place packages of support for schools that were struggling.

·       It was noted that each school was controlled through its governing body. The Council had more powers in relation to non-academy schools, but if officers had concerns about academy schools, they could speak to Ofsted. Support was offered to academies where it was appropriate to do so by the Council and through academy chains.

·       Members congratulated Theale CofE Primary School in achieving an outstanding grade in all aspects of their latest Ofsted inspection.

·       Members indicated that they would welcome the opportunity visit a school.

RESOLVED:

(a)    To be informed of the latest Ofsted inspection outcomes for schools in West Berkshire;

(b)    To use the information to help inform its future work programme.