Ofsted Rates Multiple UK Schools Inadequate Over Safety, Leadership Concerns

Ofsted is introducing a new school inspection framework starting in November 2024, moving to a report card system assessing schools across up to 11 areas, though the finalised plans were delayed until after summer, causing concern among educators about the short notice. The new system follows recent changes in grading, with schools like Royd Nursery & Infant School in Sheffield improving to Outstanding, while others, such as St Patrick's Catholic Voluntary Academy, experienced declines. Separate inspections have revealed serious safeguarding failures in some special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools, including Columbus School and College in Chelmsford, which was rated inadequate due to staff's lack of knowledge on harmful sexual behaviours, leading to the dismissal of its headteacher. Similarly, Harborne Primary School in Birmingham, previously rated outstanding, received an inadequate rating due to incoherent safeguarding systems and leadership issues, resulting in risks to pupil safety and the school being placed under special measures. These findings highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining educational quality and safeguarding standards amidst leadership turbulence and inspection system changes. Ofsted and school trusts have pledged to address these issues through engagement programs and action plans to support schools during this transition.