Nine out of ten schools satisfied with inspections

Around half of schools and further education and skills providers inspected by Ofsted completed a post-inspection survey and close to nine out of 10 said they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the inspection experience and that the feedback inspectors gave on the quality of education will help them to improve.

This is according to Ofsted’s annual report and accounts 2019–20.

What's more, a YouGov survey found that over four in five parents think that Ofsted’s inspection reports are useful.

Eight out of 10 parents feel that the inspection report they read portrayed the school (or other type of provider) accurately. The survey also found that three-quarters of parents said that the information we provide is reliable and two-thirds of parents agree that our work helps to improve the standard of education.

When it comes to the curriculum, half of parents now feel that their child’s school places as much focus on what is being taught as it does on getting good results.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, said: "I am really pleased that Ofsted remains a trusted voice for parents when it comes to their children’s education and that they see us as a force for improvement in schools.

"And it’s heartening that nearly 9 out of 10 school and college leaders said that the feedback they received through their inspection would help them to improve. That’s the difference we want to make.

"Recent months have been tough for children, parents and those at the front line of our schools. I’m looking forward to pupils and teachers returning in September. For the first term back, we won’t be inspecting schools as they get back on their feet. Instead our visits in the autumn term will help parents and the government understand what schools and colleges are doing to bring pupils up to speed."

The Ofsted annual report and accounts 2019-20 shows that the inspectorate carried out 3,200 school inspections, 8,500 early years inspections and 200 further education and skills inspections under the education inspection framework. It also shows that it carried out 3,167 social care inspections; 25 local area inspections, along with the Care Quality Commission; and 15 initial teacher education inspections.