Education CommitteeFurther written evidence submitted by Ofsted

When considering leadership and management in a school, inspectors take account of a wide range of evidence; this includes evaluating the extent to which ‘pupils have gained a well-informed understanding of the options and challenges facing them as they move through the school and on to the next stage of their education and training’. In order to be judged at least good, the School inspection handbook is clear a school should ensure pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education, training or employment.

However, there are no ‘sub-judgements’ and no separate grade for careers education and guidance. This is because following the Education Act 2011, changes to the inspection framework since January and September 2012 have led to a focus on the four key judgements (pupils’ achievement; the quality of teaching; pupils’ behaviour and safety and, the leadership in and management of the school).

Ofsted does not inspect against statutory compliance other than for some safeguarding matters. In addition, schools which were judged outstanding overall at their last inspection are now exempt from routine inspection unless risk assessment identifies a concern. Many schools judged good have up to five years between inspections, unless risk assessment based mainly on the schools’ performance data suggests that an inspection may be warranted.

December 2012