Childcare Expo Breakfast Summit Discussions September 2014

30 delegates in attendance. Chosen topic was: ‘Ofsted is not fit for purpose.’ Topic designed as a discussion starter, not a definitive statement.

Ofsted inspections are an ongoing hot topic. Lead on from Big Conversation last year – what did it achieve? Press articles Comments from NDNA, Pre-School Learning Alliance, 4Children Policy exchange

Considered: A radical rethink New, fresh approach Minor changes

“Ofsted’s ethos is still influenced by the desire to enforce compliance with centrally imposed targets, rather than to encourage the professional development of [practitioners]. Ofsted’s imposition of standards is erratic and often varies with the personal tastes of individual inspectors. Their approach is based on a narrow theory of human nature which assumes that individuals are self serving and must be motivated by external sticks and carrots.” – David Green, Civitas Think Tank Focus on inflicting punitive measures and humiliation rather than providing positive support.

Vision of a positive inspection system. Local accountability partner. Led by teaching professionals. Will positively change the way practitioners work. Setting can react to local needs and improve the education they provide.

‘How have we come to a situation where we have allowed a system that is based on fear and intimidation into places of learning?’ – Bernadette Hunter, president of the National Association of Head Teachers

Discussion Format Stage 1: Describe scenarios where Ofsted have shown themselves not to be fit for purpose. Stage 2: Look at possible alternatives. Stage 3: Look at ways in which the inspection process could fit into the setting development cycle. Stage 4: Bring ideas together to create one statement of our views and intentions.

Key concerns 1.Lack of accountability 2.Inconsistency 3.Lack of knowledge of the sector 4.No partnership approach

What next? 1.Consider alternative solutions 2.Continue to apply pressure for change and improvement 3.One voice for the sector

Alternative Approaches Instead, not Ofsted Head teachers inspecting each other’s schools to share best practice and allowing Heads of Schools and senior managers to take ownership of standards by inviting staff from other schools to challenge their judgements.

Independent Schools Association Schools choose to be inspected by Ofsted or ISA team of inspectors. Could NDNA or Pre-School Learning Alliance be a similar alternative in Early Years?

SIP Setting Improvement Partner This person would do an inspection style visit every two years and identify areas for improvement. They would then work with the setting to implement the improvement programme in an advisory role, touching base at regular intervals over the two year period to check on progress, train, guide and advise.

SIP Any serious complaints from parents would be made known to the SIP who would meet with the setting and parent to discuss the concern and amend the improvement plan if necessary. Parents would be informed of the areas the setting were working on and be given regular updates on the progress being made. They would be asked to contribute to the process via meetings and questionnaires. These would also be seen by the SIP. The process would be far more informative for parents, tailored to particular needs of the setting. Would have a positive impact on improving standards.

Fine tuning the current system 1.Accountability 2.Inconsistency 3.Improved knowledge of the sector 4.Partnership approach

Next steps Collate views from today’s discussion to add weight Press release Share with #OBC Letter to Minister

Over to you…..