Reforming Ofsted’s Safeguarding Inspections
On 7th Jan 2025, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Ofsted, Sir Martyn Oliver, appeared before the House of Commons Education Committee to outline Ofsted’s progress in addressing safeguarding concerns following the tragic case of Ruth Perry.
The reforms aim to improve safeguarding practices, ensure fairness in inspections, and rebuild trust with schools and educators. However, questions remain about how these changes will be implemented and the impact they will have on schools.
The Future of Safeguarding Inspections
Sir Martyn highlighted a significant shift in how safeguarding is judged within inspections, proposing to separate it from leadership and management. He stated:
‘Safeguarding should be separate and not a part of leadership and management as it is right now… because safeguarding is very much a met/not met judgement, it is very difficult to say safeguarding is outstanding. Even in outstanding settings where good things are happening, bad people can still exist and bad things can still happen. We have seen that, sadly, in far too many cases across all the remits in which we work. It is nonsense to try to judge anything other than met/not met.’
This prompts two key questions:
- How will safeguarding inspections be conducted under the new framework?
- What will the separation of safeguarding from leadership and management mean for overall school ratings?
Sir Martyn acknowledged the complexity of safeguarding requirements, referencing the annual updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). He reassured educators that the new inspection framework would clearly outline the key aspects of safeguarding that inspectors will assess, stating:
'It is going to be unbelievably obvious what we will inspect on. I do not expect anyone to fail safeguarding, because I do not want any children to be unsafe anywhere.'
From the outset of his tenure, Sir Martyn engaged directly with Ruth Perry’s family and school representatives. Ofsted accepted all six recommendations directed at the inspectorate, publishing a detailed action plan. These actions address safeguarding procedures, inspector training, complaint resolution, and broader cultural reforms.
Key Reforms and Implementation
Revising Safeguarding Judgements
Ofsted has implemented a system allowing inspections to be paused for up to three months if safeguarding issues are identified in otherwise high-performing schools. This pause enables schools to address concerns while maintaining transparency with parents and local authorities. However, some school leaders may question:
- What support will be provided to schools during the pause to address safeguarding concerns effectively?
Enhanced Training for Inspectors
All inspectors have received training on recognising and responding to distress through Mental Health First Aid England. This training is now embedded in ongoing professional development via the Ofsted Academy. While this is a positive step, schools may wonder:
- How will inspectors apply this training to ensure sensitivity during inspections?
Improved Complaint Processes
To address concerns about fairness, Ofsted has created a centralised complaints hub and introduced external complaints panels, including headteachers and trade union representatives. Panels now review closed cases to provide transparency and consistency. Educators may ask:
- Will schools have input into how complaints are reviewed and addressed in future processes?
Transparency in Reporting
Ofsted now publishes reports within 30 working days in 95% of cases, with schools receiving draft reports within a week. The aim of this is to reduce delays and stress on school leadership.
Independent Learning Review
Dame Christine Gilbert's review of the Caversham case has informed systemic changes, with the aim of helping to create a more nuanced and proportionate inspection process.
Cultural and Structural Change
Sir Martyn has prioritised and promised more focus on professionalism, empathy, and respect within Ofsted. Weekly training sessions, national hubs, and a peer-led review system are in place with the aim of enhancing consistency and trust in inspections.
While significant progress has been made, Sir Martyn acknowledged that further reforms are required. A new inspection framework, to be consulted on later this month, will include tailored standards for different educational settings. Educators are likely to ask:
- Will the new framework reduce the burden of inspections on schools?
- How will the framework address the unique needs of different school types and settings?
To assess the impact of these changes, Ofsted has been collecting feedback from schools post-inspection, with satisfaction levels returning to pre-pandemic levels. Sir Martyn emphasised transparency, with regular public updates and published progress reports ensuring accountability.
The Ruth Perry case has driven significant reforms within Ofsted, including separating safeguarding from broader school judgements, simplifying inspection criteria, and fostering a culture of empathy and transparency. Sir Martyn’s commitment to ensuring no child is left unsafe is evident, but key questions remain about how these changes will be implemented and their practical impact on schools. As Sir Martyn stated:
'I do not expect anyone to fail safeguarding, because I do not want any children to be unsafe anywhere.'
With consultations on the new framework set to begin this month, the education sector eagerly awaits further clarity on how these reforms will shape the future of inspections. By addressing the concerns of the teaching profession and maintaining open dialogue, Ofsted has the opportunity to rebuild trust and ensure a safer, more effective system for all.
Sara Spinks
SSS Author & Former Headteacher
29 January 2025
