Lib Dems reveal plans to scrap Ofsted and league tables
The Liberal Democrats recently unveiled a set of proposals aimed at overhauling the education system in England. Two key pledges would see the party scrapping Ofsted and school league tables, opting instead for a less “high-stakes” accountability system that analyses student and teacher wellbeing.
The Lib Dem’s proposals are to be put to members during the spring conference this weekend, Schools Week reports, with leaders calling for Ofsted to be replaced with a “reformed independent schools inspectorate system.”
Such system would “assess teacher and pupil wellbeing, as well as results” and would help to evaluate “whether school leaders can deliver future improvement.”
The party also believes that league tables should be scrapped in favour of a “broader set of indicators, including qualitative data on pupil wellbeing.” The data would be gained from student and parent feedback on the school’s performance, together with information on how many students secure a place at university.
Other changes put forward by the Lib Dems would see mandatory SATs at key stages 1 and 2 being replaced with “lighter-touch testing” and moderated assessments for teachers. A “curriculum for life” would also be introduced which would include relationships and sex education, first aid and financial literacy. The party has also outlined plans for a “specific individual responsible for mental health in schools.”
Furthermore, the party has said it wants to put an end to education cuts by safeguarding per-pupil spending “in real terms, including in further education.”
“The over-emphasis on high stakes testing has meant the system has overlooked so many other elements of the development of the child,” commented education spokesperson for the Lib Dems, Layla Moran.
She continued: “Parents want to know their children’s wellbeing is looked after and that they are taught lessons for life, such as first aid and financial literacy, and have the prospects to succeed.”
What do you think of these proposed changes?
Sources:
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/liberal-democrats-ditch-ofsted-and-school-league-tables/
