Guide to the changes in the Ofsted Framework - Section 8 and Section 5 Inspections

Ofsted’s new arrangements for short inspections of ‘Good’ schools

for our parents and carers

In January 2018, Ofsted changed the framework for inspecting schools. An inspection for ‘Good’ schools now consists of a team of inspectors for a one day visit (Section 8 Visit). The Ofsted team use the day to gather evidence, validate judgements, view teaching and learning and observe the culture of the school; the outcome being to determine whether the school is one of the below statements.

• has shown marked improvement towards an outstanding judgment
• remains ‘good’ and provides a good standard of education
• has potential concerns about either the quality of education or leadership and management

For some schools this was a welcomed change, however I feel passionately as I am certain you do as parents and carers, that the agenda for education should be to acknowledge and celebrate a school and the community’s success. For Hampton this change was extremely disappointing.

Feeling so strongly about the changes, we wrote to Ofsted in Term 3 requesting a Section 5 Inspection (a two day visit which allows the school judgment to be changed to outstanding) emphasising that the variation to the inspection framework did not allow Hampton the opportunity to demonstrate the significant and sustained year on year improvements and outcomes, and ultimately being validated as an outstanding primary provision. Unfortunately the framework stipulates ‘Good’ schools have to have a short (one day Section 8 Visit) inspection first!

So the result for Hampton…following the evidence collected during our short inspection, I am incredibly proud to share that Hampton has been given the best possible result that Ofsted could award under these changes. The team were immersed into Hampton culture and shared in great detail at the end of the inspection the ‘exemplary practice observed…the embedded caring ethos… instilling of values and a place where children feel safe to make mistakes’ and have recommended a Section 5 Inspection within a short timescale due to ‘the strong practice and marked improvements seen’ so that we can receive the Outstanding judgment that Hampton community truly deserve!

With that I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to you as parents and carers for your continued support and faith you have in Hampton. Your parent view comments were heart warming and demonstrate our strong partnership with you.

I also need to extend my deepest gratitude to every staff member whose commitment and passion to your children is unwavering. Our ethos of equity for every child achieving the very best they can is reflected in our results and in what your children say about their school.

This is testimony to the strength of Hampton community. We will continue to provide the very best experiences for your children and await Ofsted’s return!