16 January 2004
Ofsted is to change its approach from this month with a lighter-touch inspection regime for local education authorities.
The watchdog will depend more on self-evaluation of LEAs to highlight problem areas and less on checking compliance against targets. The move, mooted by chief inspector David Bell two years ago, is designed to help LEAs identify where they can improve rather than it being dictated by the watchdog.
The new regime will also fit into the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessments. Those LEAs with high scores will experience less 'on-site Ofsted inspection work'.
Bell said: 'By challenging and refining LEAs' self-evaluation, Ofsted will be able to help them build the capacity to improve their own performance.'
He added that he was discussing with other watchdogs how to integrate the inspection regime for children's and young people's services, a proposal outlined in the September green paper Every child matters. Ofsted is to lead the new regime.
PFjan2004
