Ofsted
The NGA broadly supports the aims and principles of inspection, and welcomes partnership with Ofsted on behalf of pupils and schools.
We are however concerned both about the quality of some inspection teams and about the limitations of the Ofsted appeals process. We would like this process to be far more transparent and we would support the creation of an independent appeal system.
We are concerned that the wider role that Ofsted was given as a result of the Every Child Matters process has placed some schools under unacceptable pressure. We will press for an inspection process that recognises the complexity of the task faced by schools in challenging circumstances.
We are concerned that Ofsted currently report on matters - such as financial probity and health and safety - which are outside the competences of the majority of inspection teams. We believe that a school's Ofsted report should focus on teaching and learning and school leadership.
As the governing body is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall performance of the school, we believe that inspectors must meet with at least one representative of the governing body during the inspection, and that a representative of the governing body must be invited and attend the oral feedback at the end of the inspection. The inspection timetable needs to allow for this.