Two-step inspection process for trainee teachers announced by Oftsed

From today, there will be a new two-stage inspection process whereby inspectors will check on the quality of training and the trainees’ teaching in the summer term. This will be followed by a second stage in the autumn term when Ofsted inspectors will see new teachers implement what they have learned in the classroom. Previously, Ofsted only inspected trainees in the summer of their training year. This change follows a consultation that took place earlier this year.

Sean Harford, Ofsted national director for initial teacher education, said the new two-stage inspection process would help raise standards.

When judging teacher training providers, inspectors will now also have to evaluate how far they have tried to engage schools and colleges in challenging circumstances, including those deemed to require improvement, in training partnerships.