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Ofsted tweaks complaints system, but heads want more fundamental reform

Small changes to the Ofsted complaints system will be enacted from January following a consultation by the inspectorate, but school leaders are unconvinced and maintain their calls for more fundamental reform.
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Further changes will then be introduced in April as Ofsted attempts to respond to criticism of its complaints procedures following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry earlier this year.

However, headteachers remain unconvinced and are still calling for more “fundamental reform” to improve the reliability of inspections “while reducing the unacceptable toll on the wellbeing and mental health of leaders and teachers”.

Ofsted’s consultation received more than 1,500 responses and set out four overarching proposals, all of which will be carried forward.

From January, we will see enhanced on-site professional dialogue during inspections “to help address any issues” and a new opportunity introduced for providers to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection to raise any concerns.

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