FDA welcomes consultation on Ofsted Report Card proposals

The FDA has welcomed a consultation on the introduction of new report cards alongside a package of proposed inspection reforms.

Ofsted has launched a broad 12-week consultation exercise to gather views on a series of draft proposals. These include introducing the Ofsted Report Card, which aims to give parents more detailed information about standards across more areas of practice in their child’s school, early years, or further education provider. There are also proposals to replace the ‘single word judgement’ with a new 5-point grading scale for each evaluation area, including a new top ‘exemplary’ grade to help raise standards.

Other proposed reforms include:

The FDA has been in early discussions with Ofsted regarding the proposed new inspection model. The reforms come following Ofsted’s own consultative process, ‘The Big Listen’ in 2024, as well as the ‘Gilbert Review’, an independent report by Christine Gilbert into Ofsted’s culture and working practices.

Responding to the proposed reforms, FDA National Officer Matt Newman said:

“The FDA welcomes the consultation process on these important reforms. Significant organisational changes understandably cause high levels of anxiety for staff and, as such, it’s crucial that the organisation continues to engage with us at all levels to ensure the views of Ofsted staff are properly taken into account.

“We understand Ofsted’s drive for change and have looked to work collaboratively with the organisation on areas of reform. There have been some serious concerns in the recent past regarding the levels of union consultation with those leading change in Ofsted, however, senior management have acknowledged this and the FDA is cautiously optimistic as we move into the latest consultation phase.”

Newman continued:

“Many of our members are HMI, at the coal face of inspection, and the vast majority are former education leaders themselves. They know firsthand the pressures faced by education professionals and are a hugely valuable resource for Ofsted. It’s essential that their knowledge, expertise and practical advice be taken on board as these reforms progress.

“FDA members have been clear that any new model must be practically workable whilst continuing to put high educational standards and the wellbeing of children at its core. We will continue to challenge Ofsted and the government to ensure these reforms deliver this.”