No-notice school inspections ‘logical progression’ says Ofsted chief

Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the move was a “logical” progression, adding that it was vital that the public had confidence in inspections.

However school leaders warned they had “real doubts” that the plans would improve inspections, and raised concern that the change had been announced without consulting head teachers.

Sir Michael, who took up his post as chief inspector last week, said the introduction of new guidelines for inspections provided a “good opportunity” to cut the notice period given to schools.

“We are introducing no-notice inspections for all schools from this September, not just those that are causing concern,” he said.

“There are a number of reasons. First of all it’s a logical progression from the situation years ago when there was a year’s notice, then it was two weeks, and in 2005 it went to two days.

“That’s one reason. The second is we have a new framework, which is really important, that’s just come in. It provides an opportunity for inspectors to do what’s really important – going in and inspecting quality, particularly teaching.”

Under the new guidelines, inspectors no longer have to spend time going through documentation before visits, he said.

The launch of Ofsted’s new Parent View website means that parents do not have to be sent questionnaires before an inspection as they can give their views year round.

“There’s no reason why they can’t go in and go straight into the classroom in the first hour of the visit,” Sir Michael said.

He acknowledged that it was vital that the public has “absolute confidence in the integrity of inspections”. However Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “I have real doubts that no-notice inspection will accomplish this.

“An effective inspection system is based on mutual trust and respect, not the premise that schools are trying to ‘cheat’ and need to be caught out. “