Council backs new Ofsted plans to investigate schools

As part of the new measures, schools will also be subject to week-long inspections to establish why children in some parts of the country have a much lower chance of attending a good or better school than their peers in other similar areas.

The decision comes following the publication of Ofsted’s Annual Report in November, which found the performance of schools varied greatly between local authority areas with similar demographics and levels of deprivation.

Central Beds Council welcomed the news, announced by Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Michael Wilshaw last week.

Sir Michael said: “It cannot be right that in local authorities with the same demographics, the same sort of population, and the same levels of deprivation, parents have such widely varying opportunities of finding a good school.

“Ofsted will inspect without fear or favour, and with no preconceived idea of what we will find.

“If we find that the local authority is proactive in addressing the key issues, and standards are improving, that’s absolutely fine.

But where we find evidence that the local authority is not demonstrating effective leadership, then we shall inspect it.”

Central Beds schools were rated in the top 10 per cent nationwide in this report, with 83 per cent rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.

Councillor Mark Versallion said: “It is heartening that Sir Michael Wilshaw has acknowledged the key role that councils play in supporting schools to improve and helping pupils achieve the best possible results.

“We are working closely with schools and indeed parents and local communities to make sure that all our children get a great education.

“We have supported the creation of a local Teaching School Partnership, where teachers are able to share best practice and gain new skills.

“We are also closely involved with a new Alternative Provision Free School, which will offer a positive educational experience for pupils at risk of exclusion.

“Education in Central Bedfordshire is changing, but at the heart of everything that is happening is a commitment to improve the educational experience for all our children and young people.”

Ofsted’s Annual Report is available to view at www.ofsted.gov.uk.