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Ofsted inspectors 'lack key skills' required for job Ofsted inspectors 'lack key skills' required for job
(about 7 hours later)
Many Ofsted inspectors do not have the skills needed to make fair judgements of schools, a think tank report says.Many Ofsted inspectors do not have the skills needed to make fair judgements of schools, a think tank report says.
The Policy Exchange report says many are employed part-time by private firms, and lack experience of primary teaching or special needs training.The Policy Exchange report says many are employed part-time by private firms, and lack experience of primary teaching or special needs training.
It also calls for inspectors to pass an accreditation exam before they go into schools.It also calls for inspectors to pass an accreditation exam before they go into schools.
Ofsted, which carries out inspections in England's schools, said it would study the recommendations closely.Ofsted, which carries out inspections in England's schools, said it would study the recommendations closely.
The report, Watching the Watchmen, recommends that Ofsted abolishes or radically reduces the number of inspectors it uses from private firms.The report, Watching the Watchmen, recommends that Ofsted abolishes or radically reduces the number of inspectors it uses from private firms.
Report author Jonathan Simons said the quality of schools was critical to the future prospects of the country.Report author Jonathan Simons said the quality of schools was critical to the future prospects of the country.
He said: "That is why we need an independent schools regulator that inspects all schools freely and fairly. But it is also why we must make sure that the school inspection regime is fit for purpose."He said: "That is why we need an independent schools regulator that inspects all schools freely and fairly. But it is also why we must make sure that the school inspection regime is fit for purpose."
'Test inspectors''Test inspectors'
He added: "More needs to be done to drive up the quality of inspectors. Heads and teachers must feel confident that the person running their eye over their school is a specialist, preferably with recent teaching experience.He added: "More needs to be done to drive up the quality of inspectors. Heads and teachers must feel confident that the person running their eye over their school is a specialist, preferably with recent teaching experience.
"Inspectors don't need to be rocket scientists but they must also have the ability to interpret the increasing amounts of data on the performance of schools, and understand the different ways in which schools are now operating."Inspectors don't need to be rocket scientists but they must also have the ability to interpret the increasing amounts of data on the performance of schools, and understand the different ways in which schools are now operating.
"Schools should not be forced to second-guess what the inspector coming through the door will be like.""Schools should not be forced to second-guess what the inspector coming through the door will be like."
The report said one key issue was the lack of ability to analyse data as a key issue and it called for a new test to be introduced that would demonstrate that a would-be inspector had the required skills.The report said one key issue was the lack of ability to analyse data as a key issue and it called for a new test to be introduced that would demonstrate that a would-be inspector had the required skills.
It also calls for all Ofsted inspectors to have relevant and recent teaching experience in the kinds of schools they are assessing.It also calls for all Ofsted inspectors to have relevant and recent teaching experience in the kinds of schools they are assessing.
'Unreliable observations''Unreliable observations'
Currently, inspectors are always required to have five years' teaching experience, and relevant and up-to-date experience of the area they are inspecting.Currently, inspectors are always required to have five years' teaching experience, and relevant and up-to-date experience of the area they are inspecting.
The report also calls on Ofsted to think hard about its use of private contractors in the employment of inspectors.The report also calls on Ofsted to think hard about its use of private contractors in the employment of inspectors.
Currently, three regional contractors employ around 3,000 inspectors - 1,500 of whom carry out school inspections. Ofsted itself directly employs 300 to 400 inspectors - around half of whom work in schools.Currently, three regional contractors employ around 3,000 inspectors - 1,500 of whom carry out school inspections. Ofsted itself directly employs 300 to 400 inspectors - around half of whom work in schools.
The report also says there needs to be a greater focus on struggling schools.The report also says there needs to be a greater focus on struggling schools.
Michael Cladingbowl, Ofsted's national director for schools, said the education regulator had played a major part in raising the standard of schools in England over the past 21 years.Michael Cladingbowl, Ofsted's national director for schools, said the education regulator had played a major part in raising the standard of schools in England over the past 21 years.
He said: "We are now looking at how inspection should develop in the coming years to reflect the fact that eight out of 10 schools are now good or outstanding.He said: "We are now looking at how inspection should develop in the coming years to reflect the fact that eight out of 10 schools are now good or outstanding.
"We welcome the Policy Exchange's recommendations - many of which chime with our own - and will be studying them more closely in the coming days."We welcome the Policy Exchange's recommendations - many of which chime with our own - and will be studying them more closely in the coming days.
"Head teachers tell me that schools would benefit from more regular contact with Her Majesty's Inspectors and we know parents would value more up-to-date information.""Head teachers tell me that schools would benefit from more regular contact with Her Majesty's Inspectors and we know parents would value more up-to-date information."
Do you agree with the findings of the report? Are you an Ofsted inspector? Are you a teacher or parent?
Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk adding 'Ofsted' in the subject heading and including your contact details.