Boris Johnson unveils £10million funding boost for education watchdog Ofsted to drive up school standards
THE Tories last night branded Labour a threat to our children’s future, as the PM unveiled plans to drive up school standards by giving Ofsted more cash and powers.
Boris Johnson, visiting a school in Chulmleigh, Devon, yesterday announced a £10million funding boost for the education watchdog so it can carry out longer and more thorough inspections.
Under the blueprint Ofsted visits will be extended from two to three days — with the extra time used to focus on pupil behaviour, tackling bullying and extra-curricular offerings.
The watchdog will also trial unannounced inspections where teachers are given no prior warning, to make sure the ratings it hands out are a “true reflection” of reality.
And the Tories will end the exemption for outstanding schools, meaning they will be subjected to routine probes like all others.
The plan is a direct challenge to Jeremy Corbyn, who has vowed to scrap Ofsted, saying its inspections place “enormous” stress on teachers and pupils.
Instead, he wants to hand most school policing powers to local councils, with a new body of Her Majesty’s Inspectors set up to carry out targeted in-depth visits.
The Tories say that would lead to 152 separate systems UK-wide, making it impossible for parents to compare schools’ performance.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Without independent inspections school standards would fall and our children would be less safe.
“A Conservative Government will back Ofsted with more funding to carry out better and more focused inspections so school standards are driven up across the country.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk