New Ofsted inspection framework unfairly penalises schools with deprived populations and high levels of SEND inclusion

The NAHT have just published some disturbing research on how schools in challenging communities of deprivation and high numbers of SEND support are being penalised by Ofsted's framework. This NAHT research revealed that 'the final reports of more than 650 inspections, it is clear that the likelihood of a ‘needs attention’ judgement for ‘achievement’ or ‘attendance and behaviour’ is significantly higher for schools serving areas of high deprivation or with a higher proportion of pupils with special educational needs'.

The implications are stark and manifold. With 'ICT with Mr P' commenting on this research saying this is: 'embarrassing', 'statistically rigged against inclusive schools' and that 'Ofsted is still getting away with it'.