New Ofsted framework from September 2012 All free schools have been inspected under this new framework whereas this is not the case for all other schools.
Does Ofsted inspect free schools?
Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) is responsible for inspecting the quality of education in all state-funded academies and free schools, and uses the same inspection framework as for maintained schools.
What is the difference between a free school and a normal school?
Free schools are a type of academy – schools that are run by charities rather than the local authority (council) and cannot be run for financial profit.
What is Ofsted looking for in 2022?
Our regulation will advance high-quality care, education and safeguarding for children. Proportionate and risk-based regulation of early years and children’s social care is critical to ensuring good outcomes for children.
How do I know when Ofsted is coming?
We will normally notify the school of its inspection between 10.30am and 2pm on the school day before the start of the inspection. We can inspect any school without notice, if judged appropriate. In these cases, the lead inspector will normally telephone the school about 15 minutes before arriving.
Do free schools have a governing body?
Like all academies, free schools are governed by non-profit charitable trusts that sign funding agreements with the Education Secretary.
Can you refuse Ofsted?
It is only in exceptional circumstances, such as those set out in the previous section, that we would consider granting a deferral. Anyone requesting a deferral should explain fully the nature of the circumstances in their request.
What are Free School criticized for?
A repeated criticism of free schools is their freedom to recruit unqualified teachers. In many local authority-led schools the practice exists where the teacher is not in the classroom when the lesson is being delivered and an unqualified teaching assistant is the only adult in the classroom.
What is the point of free school?
The free schools programme aims to give parents more choice and increase competition between schools, and thereby improve the quality of education. Free schools also have a role in meeting local need for new school places.
What are the benefits of a free school?
Arguments for Free Schools
- Free schools create more local competition and drive-up standards.
- They allow parents to have more choice in the type of education their child receives, much like parents who send their children to independent schools do.
What can trigger an Ofsted inspection?
For example, Ofsted could investigate complaints about: The quality of education provided by the school or early years setting and the standards achieved. Inadequate provision for pupils with SEN. Neglect of pupils’ personal development and well-being.
Can Ofsted turn up unannounced 2022?
You will normally receive a phone call from your inspector giving you up to 5 days’ notice. However, if it’s a complaint driven inspection or if it’s a follow-up from a previous inadequate grade, your Ofsted inspector might just turn up.
Are Ofsted still inspecting schools 2022?
There are no changes to inspection policy or methodology. The updates to the early years inspection handbook are effective from 1 September 2022. The current handbook will remain in use until 31 August 2022.
Can Ofsted just turn up unannounced?
For priority inspections, inspectors should undertake an unannounced visit as early as possible into the five days. If the provider is present the inspector should complete the inspection.
What happens if a school fails Ofsted?
A maintained school judged as inadequate, and place in either of the above categories, will be ordered to become an academy by the Secretary of State for Education. This often means they’ll be sponsored by an academy chain with experience of running a number of similar schools.
How much notice do Ofsted give you?
Getting notice of an inspection
Childminders or providers that do not operate regularly will get a call up to 5 days before an inspection to check what days they work. You’ll be told what time the inspection will start but not what day it will start.
Do free schools get good results?
According to the New Schools Network, free schools are more likely to be rated outstanding than other types of school, and when the early free schools GCSE results were published in 2017 Young, who founded West London free school, proclaimed that free schools were “the most successful education policy of the postwar
Can free schools set their own term dates?
Can free school set their own term dates? Free schools can set their own term dates, and change the hours of the school, along with setting the pay and conditions of staff.
Do school governing body members get paid?
He said it was difficult for SGBs to function optimally as they are not permanent and are not paid for the work they do.
Is Ofsted compulsory?
You must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency if you want to be paid to look after children under 8 for more than two hours a day in England – unless you’re exempt. You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison or both if you provide childminding or daycare service without being registered.
Do Ofsted look at safeguarding?
Inspectors must be familiar with Ofsted’s safeguarding policy and guidance on what to do if a safeguarding concern is raised during an inspection. 4. Early years settings, schools and further education and skills providers should be safe environments where children, learners and vulnerable adults can learn and develop.