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Press release: Teachers welcome inspection and observation in school

An independent survey of teachers’ views on Ofsted’s inspections of schools has found that almost 90% of teachers think that inspection helps their schools set new priorities for the future. 84% think it is important that their lessons are observed by inspectors.

The survey, conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research, also found that 85% of teachers agreed that inspection led to improvements in teaching and learning. In addition, teachers said they were overwhelmingly in favour of pupils being consulted as part of the inspection and being informed about its findings.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert said:

'I am pleased with this level of support from teachers, following the recent finding that more than nine in ten parents support inspection. Few organisations could hope for such support for their work. However, we know we must continue to improve. The new school inspection arrangements we are introducing from September 2009 will enable us to make even more of a difference.'

This new research comes as Ofsted prepares its next framework of school inspections, due to start in September. The new inspections will include more extensive lesson observation and more consultation with pupils and parents about their views. It follows recent findings from a separate Ipsos MORI survey which found that more than nine in ten parents support school inspections. And Ofsted’s own post-inspection surveys which show strong support for its work amongst headteachers, with 94% saying they were satisfied with the inspection process.

Notes For Editors

1. The survey report and a summary document ">full survey report and a summary document are available on the Ofsted website.

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) conducted research on behalf of Ofsted into teachers' attitudes towards school inspection and what impact their inspections had. The research formed part of an NFER ‘omnibus’ survey, in which face-to-face interviews were held with a nationally representative quota sample of 1,330 teachers (of whom 643 were primary school teachers and 687 worked in special or secondary schools) between 14 and 29 November 2008.

2. The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects registered childcare and children's social care, including adoption and fostering agencies, residential schools, family centres and homes for children. It also inspects all state maintained schools, non-association independent schools, pupil referral units, further education, initial teacher education, and publicly funded adult skills and employment-based training, the Children and Family Courts Advisory Service (Cafcass), and the overall level of services for children in local authority areas.

3. The Ofsted Press Office can be contacted on 08456 404040 between 8.30am – 6.30pm Monday – Friday. During evenings and weekends we can be reached on 07919 057359.

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