Inspection of education

Ofsted’s new education inspection framework lacks a strong enough focus on mental health and wellbeing according to the British Psychological Society. The Society was involved in a consultation response to the framework and called for new mental health and wellbeing measures to be embedded in the school inspection regime along with additional psychological support and guidance for schools.

The framework does include reference to mental health and wellbeing but BPS Chief Executive Sarb Bajwa said he was disappointed the reforms had not gone further. ‘Ofsted has missed an opportunity to turn school inspections into a mechanism to inspire real change for children and young people’s mental health and psychological wellbeing.’ Bajwa added that he was concerned that terms used in the framework, including ‘resilience’ and ‘fundamental British values’ lacked clear, accessible definitions that are valid, reliable and measurable.