Ofsted publishes new report on attendance in secondary schools

Attendance rates in secondary schools have improved overall since 2002 but unauthorised absence has not shown the same levels of improvement, according to a new Ofsted report, Attendance in secondary schools.

The report found a direct link between the quality of teaching and attendance levels. Secondary schools with high quality teaching and learning were found to have the highest levels of attendance.  Strong leadership and management was also found to be crucial in securing good attendance, as was having a curriculum that met the needs of pupils.

Inspectors found that many of the schools surveyed did not do enough to ensure that students caught up with work that they missed.  Individual teachers were left to organise catch-up work rather than being supported by clear policies and expectations.

More than nine in ten parents support school inspection

An Ipsos MORI survey has found that 92% of parents are in favour of Ofsted school inspections with only 4% not being in favour. Parents believe that school inspections provide them with important information, and help schools improve and avoid complacency.

As well as significant support for school inspections, eight out of ten parents (81%) believe that Ofsted’s shorter notice period for school inspections, introduced in September 2005, is a good idea, with just one in seven (14%) believing it is a bad idea. Among those in favour of schools being inspected, the proportion in favour of shorter notice was 85%.

Miriam Rosen, Director of Education, said:

"Ofsted’s overriding aim is to contribute to better education and care, thereby serving parents and those who are educated in our schools. It is heartening that more than nine in ten parents are in favour of school inspection and more than eight in ten believe inspection has contributed to improvement at their child’s school."

The research formed part of an Ipsos MORI ‘omnibus’ survey, which saw the participation of 1,989 adults aged 15 and over. The survey is based on 510 interviews with parents who have at least one child.

An Ipsos MORI survey has found that 92% of parents are in favour of Ofsted school inspections with only 4% not being in favour. Parents believe that school inspections provide them with important information, and help schools improve and avoid complacency.

As well as significant support for school inspections, eight out of ten parents (81%) believe that Ofsted’s shorter notice period for school inspections, introduced in September 2005, is a good idea, with just one in seven (14%) believing it is a bad idea. Among those in favour of schools being inspected, the proportion in favour of shorter notice was 85%.

Miriam Rosen, Director of Education, said:

"Ofsted’s overriding aim is to contribute to better education and care, thereby serving parents and those who are educated in our schools. It is heartening that more than nine in ten parents are in favour of school inspection and more than eight in ten believe inspection has contributed to improvement at their child’s school."