Ofsted is consulting on its plans for a new inspection framework, due to commence in September 2019. As part of the draft proposals, the inspectorate is proposing not to look at schools’ internal data. Here, Stephen Rollett explores the reasoning behind this proposal, why some leaders are concerned and what members might do in response.

Internal data

So, why won’t inspectors be looking at schools’ internal data? First, a link has been made between schools’ use of data and workload. You will probably be aware that the DfE’s Workload Advisory Group recently concluded that too much data was being gathered for the purposes of accountability. Accordingly, it recommended that schools should not ask staff to input data centrally more than two or three times per year – a move that ASCL supports. Therefore, Ofsted has said that by refusing to look at schools’ internal data, the need to gather data for accountability purposes will be reduced and this will ease teacher workload.

Second, there is growing understanding that internal data can lack reliability and validity. For example, data from assessed pieces of work are often used for a range of competing purposes, which may be formative, summative, related to judgments about teacher performance and, under the current Ofsted framework, judgements about the effectiveness of a school. In short, using teacher assessments to fulfil all these purposes tends to undermine its validity. Consequently, Ofsted argues the resultant internal data should not be used for the purposes of inspection.

A third reason for the proposal, I believe, is that Ofsted is seeking to have a different conversation about progress. Over many years, the word ‘progress’ has become synonymous with data, whether that is in ‘old money’ Levels or approaches like flight paths. One principle of effective curriculum planning that Ofsted identified through its research was “seeing the curriculum as the progression model”.

In essence, this means that rather than schools requiring a complex assessment system to demonstrate progress, more emphasis should be placed on the structure and sequencing of the curriculum – leaving teachers to focus less on labelling progress with a particular grade or level, and more on identifying what children had and had not learned. By refusing to consider schools’ internal data, Ofsted is hoping to elicit a conversation that is rooted more in the curriculum. The expectation is that inspectors would still talk to you about how you use assessment information, but they would not record the data itself as evidence of pupils’ progress.

Feedback from leaders

While some school leaders have warmed to Ofsted’s proposal, some have not. Some leaders are concerned that by not considering internal data, inspectors may rely even more on historic exam performance. This is the very opposite of Ofsted’s rhetoric about inspection looking at more than exam results.

Also, some leaders have expressed concern that this approach could lead to more emphasis on work scrutiny and that there is little evidence to suggest this inspection method is necessarily any more valid and reliable than internal data.

So, what are leaders to do? It’s important to note that this is only a consultation at this stage. ASCL will respond on behalf of members but individual members can also submit a response. You can respond to the consultation, by 5 April, online at https://tinyurl.com/y9xus74j

Beyond inspection

The discussion about internal data is potentially important beyond inspection policy too. The points raised above may be a useful starting point for you to reflect on how you use internal data in your school. Here are some questions for you to consider:

• How do you consider the reliability and validity of the assessment information you gather?
• Are you mindful of workload? Do you ensure data input is not required more than two or three times per year?
• How do you use conversations about data as a way into deeper conversations about the curriculum?

Come along to our Ofsted Seminar: Understanding and Managing Inspection, on 11 June in Sheffield, and find out more about the proposed new inspection framework. Book your place online at www.ascl.org.uk/ManagingOfstedSeminars

Stephen Rollett
ASCL Curriculum and Inspection Specialist
@steverollett

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