Ofsted revamp called for
The body is calling for changes to the way Ofsted carries out inspections
Schools watchdog Ofsted could be due for an overhaul after it was branded "flawed, wasteful and failing" by critics.
A damning report by the government's school accountability system, the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS), will state that the body's new inspection regime means that schools are more focused on making the grade than looking after their pupils.
It is also accused of giving good schools low ratings due to technical issues such as the height of fences.
Ofsted's former chief executive Sir Mike Tomlinson has also suggested that the regulator is struggling, telling the Guardian: "Inspection systems that rely too heavily on data and tick-box systems is not what we need. I worry we are heading that way."
In its report, the ADCS suggests that in the future Ofsted should clarify how its judgments are reached and reform the way its annual performance reviews are compiled, making them more meaningful to the public.
It also recommends that the body works to identify the issues which face service delivery on a national scale, so this knowledge can be used to inform national policy rather than criticising local authorities for things which are beyond their control.
In the longer term, it is calling for a greater focus on the role of peer support and review to drive improvements.
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