JUSCO welcomes the statement by Damian Hinds, Secretary of State for Education that acknowledges the “...long shadow of accountability” and the fear that is associated with the current arrangements. We fully welcome the consultation, announced today, to examine accountability and support for schools.
The challenges faced by Junior / Middle Schools, acknowledged by the Department for Education and OFSTED, have meant that Junior / Middle schools were more likely to be deemed a coasting school (11% of Junior / Middle schools compared with 3% of Primary schools based analysis by Education Data Lab*).
The clarification around the respective roles of OFSTED and the Regional Schools Commissioners, as well as when formal intervention by the RSC will take place, is recognised as a positive and helpful step.
JUSCO has welcomed the positive engagement shown by the Department for Education (including the National / Regional Schools Commissioner) and OFSTED. We have embraced the opportunity to play a full part in the consultation as we all work together to continue to improve the education system for our children.