Collecting stakeholder feedback with Ofsted’s Big Listen consultation
At a glance
Following a period of intense scrutiny, and recognising it needed to improve, Ofsted undertook their largest ever consultation: the Big Listen. IFF Research contributed to this influential exercise by capturing the views of the education and social care providers inspected and regulated by Ofsted, and the educational and children’s social care professionals it employs. Through this exercise, Ofsted learned that there was broad support for its role, particularly from parents. But that there were improvements needed to the ways in which its works, particularly around culture and empathy, with a focus on teacher mental health. As a result of the findings, the government announced a series of changes, including scrapping single word judgements with immediate effect.
About the client
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.
Challenges and objectives
Ofsted started the consultation from the position of always wanting to be a force for good, with the interests of children and learners as its priority. It has an ambition to be a modern, world-class inspectorate and regulator. Following a difficult year with the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry after an Ofsted inspection, and subsequent increased scrutiny, the consultation came from a place of recognising it needed to improve to achieve its ambition.
Solution
This research comprised surveys, deliberative focus groups and interviews with the two research audiences. Online and telephone methods were used with provider representatives. Providers were asked to pass an online survey link to their professional staff when their survey closed. All audiences could opt-in to further qualitative research.
Focus groups were designed so participants could deliberate on aspects of Ofsted’s work. Participants sought a consensus on how Ofsted should approach issues like single word judgements or the best length of an inspection. More traditional in-depth interviews, paired depths or triads were also used in circumstances where groups were unsuitable.
Triangulating survey and qualitative findings helped Ofsted identify the important views of those they inspect and regulate, and why those views were held. The deliberative process provided reasoned guidance to Ofsted on how they could adapt their approach to better meet its organisational aims.
The fieldwork was conducted between April and July 2024, surveying 3,496 providers representatives and 3,831 professional staff, while also conducting 49 focus groups and 3 in-depth interviews.
“IFF Research made an important contribution to Ofsted’s Big Listen by providing high-quality and independent research with professionals in the sectors that Ofsted inspects and regulates. The team were excellent and produced rigorous research outputs within tight timescales. We had an incredibly positive experience working with them. ”
Richard Shiner,
Head of Research and Evaluation (Schools and FES), Ofsted
Impact
As a result of the study, Ofsted learned:
- What they were doing well. Providers mostly thought inspectors act professionally (79%) and Ofsted reports are clear and easy to read (76%), although lacking some detail. The current length and frequency of inspections, and the breadth and depth of coverage worked well for most providers.
- Where they could improve. Trust expressed in Ofsted by providers and individuals related statistically to whether they thought inspectors acted empathetically. Collaborative working relationships were hindered by perceptions of Ofsted’s culture, with only a third of professionals reporting that Ofsted’s inspectors acted empathetically, for example.
- Those working in children’s social care services were more positive than professionals in schools towards Ofsted and its work. Those working in schools were the least positive, especially in relation to single-word judgements (only one in ten of school leaders supported single-word judgements). Professionals in schools felt reports and overall judgements affected parental choice and staff wellbeing. A few participants noted single-word judgements conveyed a simple, recognisable message but most education providers felt these judgements were too reductive to adequately describe their provision.
- There were however early indications that recent changes to Ofsted’s approach improved staff wellbeing. Participants noticed a stronger emphasis during inspections on staff mental health through more frequent check-ins. Survey findings show those inspected recently were more likely to feel that inspectors were empathetic.
Following the findings of the report, the government announced a series of changes, including removing single word judgements with immediate effect, introducing a new inspection framework and new report cards, with more nuanced and detailed assessments. Ofsted will also be introducing a series of measures to reduce pressure on those being assessed.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for Ofsted as we reset our priorities, refine our practices and rebuild our relationships. We want to retain the confidence of the children, parents and carers we work for, and regain the respect of the committed professionals we work with.”
Sir Martyn Oliver,
His Majesty's Chief Inspector, Ofsted