Boris Johnson vows to boost Ofsted powers in bid to improve standards in schools
- Boris Johnson wants to extend the length of inspections from two to three days
- The extra day would focus on behaviour, bullying and extra-curricular activities
- PM said schools rated ‘outstanding’ no longer inspected on less frequent basis
Schools will face tougher checks that include Ofsted inspectors arriving in classrooms without notice, Boris Johnson has pledged.
The Prime Minister also wants to extend the length of inspections in secondary and large primary schools from two days to three. The extra day would focus on behaviour, bullying and extra-curricular activities such sport.
Rules will also be changed so that schools rated ‘outstanding’ are no longer inspected on a less frequent basis.
Schools will face tougher checks that include Ofsted inspectors arriving in classrooms without notice, Boris Johnson has pledged
The Tories have said they will give the education watchdog an additional £10million funding so that it can boost the number of inspectors and run trials of the no-notice checks. At present schools are notified by lunchtime the day before.
Mr Johnson said: ‘In the past decade, the hard work of teachers and our school reforms have meant record numbers of children in good or outstanding schools – more children having a good education and learning the knowledge and skills they need to go on and live a fulfilled life.
‘Now, in the decade to come, these plans along with the additional £14billion that we are putting into our education system will help to keep that number rising.
The Prime Minister also wants to extend the length of inspections in secondary and large primary schools from two days to three
‘But there is something else we need to do so that we can really focus on making our schools the best in the world – end the gridlock in parliament and get Brexit done.’
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson criticised Labour’s plans to replace Ofsted with inspections conducted by local authorities.
He said: ‘Ofsted is an independent and trusted source of information for parents and teachers. Without independent inspections school standards would fall and our children would be less safe.’