In a significant shift for England’s education and children’s services, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Sir Martyn Oliver, has presented the annual report for 2023/24. Released on December 5, 2024, the report reflects a year of transition and sets the stage for upcoming reforms in how education and social care services are inspected and evaluated.
The report comes at a time when Ofsted is evolving its approach to inspections, moving away from the traditional grading system in favor of a more detailed report card. This decision aligns with the government’s manifesto commitments and follows the largest consultation in Ofsted’s history, known as “The Big Listen,” which sought input from educators, parents, and students.
Sir Martyn Oliver emphasized the importance of viewing education and social care as interconnected stages in a child’s life. He stated, “We want to draw the threads together to identify gaps in the system and highlight opportunities that exist to improve life chances for every child.” This reflects a broader priority to ensure that vulnerable children receive the support they need to thrive.
The report identifies several pressing challenges facing the education sector, including attendance issues that have worsened since the pandemic. The absence rates have risen, with over 19% of students classified as persistently absent, particularly among disadvantaged groups. This rise in absenteeism is concerning, as it disrupts learning and can lead to long-term educational setbacks.
Furthermore, the report highlights issues in early years education, particularly regarding access to quality childcare. It notes the existence of “childcare deserts” in economically disadvantaged areas, where families struggle to find quality early education options. The findings illustrate a stark contrast between regions, with affluent areas enjoying a wealth of resources compared to their less fortunate counterparts.
Another significant concern raised in the report is the recruitment and retention of skilled staff in early years settings. With a notable increase in unqualified staff, high turnover rates pose a challenge to maintaining consistent and high-quality care for young children.
The report also addresses the ongoing issues within the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, detailing the increasing number of children requiring support and the strain that this places on resources. It calls for improved early intervention strategies to better support children before their needs escalate.
As Ofsted prepares to launch a consultation on a new framework for education inspections in the coming year, Sir Martyn Oliver’s report serves as a critical resource for understanding the current landscape and guiding future improvements. The transition away from grading systems aims to offer a more nuanced understanding of educational quality, ultimately striving for better outcomes for all children.
For more details, the full report can be accessed here: Ofsted Annual Report 2023/24.
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