Most children are well-served by the education sector and, in social care, life-changing work is being done for children and young people every day according to Ofsteds Annual Report.
However, education and social care professionals are working hard under immense pressure. And where systems are under strain, it is vulnerable and disadvantaged children who are most affected.
Workforce challenges mean there are often not enough qualified staff in classrooms, nurseries, colleges or care settings. The SEND system is struggling as demand for services continues to rise. In schools, attendance issues have deepened and learning has become disjointed for too many children. The number of children in care continues to rise, but there is a shortage of foster carers and not enough children’s homes in the right places.
This year’s report reflects a period of change and reform – both within Ofsted and in government. In September, the response to the Big Listen set out the many changes Ofsted is making to improve inspection and reduce pressure on staff. Foremost among the changes, and a first step to wider reform, was the removal of the overall effectiveness grade from inspections of state-funded schools from September.
In the new year, Ofsted will formally consult on a renewed inspection framework for schools, early years, further education (FE) and skills providers, and initial teacher education. This will propose the introduction of report cards to follow all education inspections, offering more detail about a provider’s strengths and weaknesses. In 2026, Ofsted will start to introduce changes to the way social care providers are inspected.
Sir Martyn Oliver, who began his 5-year term as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector in January said “There are plenty of reasons to be positive about the future – not least because the services we inspect and regulate employ thousands of committed and talented people, doing their best for children and learners every day. They deserve all our thanks.”
You can read the full report here
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