September 1st 2024.
The family of Ruth Perry, a devoted head teacher, has been tirelessly advocating for the end of one-word judgements by Ofsted on schools. This change comes after the tragic passing of Mrs. Perry in early 2023, just two months following a school inspection that resulted in the downgrading of Caversham Primary in Reading from "outstanding" to "inadequate". A coroner's report later determined that the inspection had contributed to Mrs. Perry's deteriorating mental health, leading to her untimely death.
This heartbreaking incident sparked an outcry from educators and others in the education industry, demanding a reform of the rating system. This sentiment was further reinforced by a report from former schools minister Lord Knight, which highlighted the erratic nature of one-word ratings and stated that the overall system was not effective.
In response to these concerns, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has recently announced a major change in Ofsted's rating system. The current one-word judgements will be replaced by four grades that will assess the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership & management. Additionally, a new "Report Cards" system will be introduced in September of next year, providing a more comprehensive assessment of a school's performance.
Phillipson believes that this reform is a crucial step towards a more transparent and accurate representation of a school's strengths and weaknesses. She emphasized that parents deserve a broader and clearer picture of their child's school, and the new system will deliver just that. She also stated that this change is a "generational" one and a landmark moment for students, parents, and educators.
This decision was made after extensive consultations with the education sector and the family of Ruth Perry. It has been welcomed by teachers' unions, including the National Association of Headteachers. However, they would have preferred for sub-judgements to be eliminated as well.
Ruth Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, has been one of the leading voices in the campaign for reform. Her passion and determination have been instrumental in bringing about this change. The previous Conservative government had previously announced that one-word ratings would remain in place, citing their significant benefits. However, the current Labour government underlines the importance of a more comprehensive and supportive evaluation system.
In light of this news, Shadow Education Secretary Damian Hinds expressed his concerns about scrapping the headline inspection outcome, as it is a vital indicator for parents. He also acknowledged that there is room for improvement in the system, but believes that getting rid of one-word judgements is not in the best interest of students and their families.
Lastly, for those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans offers a 24-hour helpline where you can speak to someone about your concerns. They also have a website and physical branches where you can access their services. Young people can also reach out to PAPYRUS for support, through their HOPELINE247, which is available 24/7 via phone, text, or email.
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