OFSTED ends regular inspections at top schools

Under the Government’s new Education Bill, top-rated schools will not be subject to the usual four-yearly Ofsted visits.

The education watchdog will only return to them if they receive “further information that raises concerns.”

The first letters from chief inspector Christine Gilbert have been sent to Maltby Hall Infant, Anston Hillcrest Primary, Woodsetts Primary and Thorpe Hesley Infant.

All four were given outstanding ratings between November 2007 and May 2008.

Mrs Gilbert’s letter to each said: “The 2011 Education Bill proposes that, from January 2012, schools that were previously judged to be outstanding will not be subject to routine inspection unless concerns are raised about their performance.

“I am pleased to inform you that our interim assessment indicates performance has been sustained and that we will not be inspecting your school unless we receive further information that raises concerns.

“We will continue to undertake annual assessments of the school’s performance. I wish everyone involved in the school continued success in the future.”

The Department for Education website says that the bill will help support extra freedoms for schools and colleges.

It adds: “This supports the Department’s commitment to reduce bureaucratic burdens on schools by removing unnecessary legal requirements on governing bodies, teachers and local authorities.

“It also frees ‘outstanding’ schools and colleges from routine inspection, and expands the Academies programme to allow 16-19 and alternative provision academies.”