The Alternative Big Consultation
An opportunity to share views on Ofsted's current proposals for inspection
The Alternative Big Consultation
An opportunity to share views on Ofsted's current proposals for inspection
About The Alternative Big Consultation (ABC)
When we established The Alternative Big Listen we did so because we were not confident Ofsted would report the findings of their BIg Listen without fear or favour and would most likely try to obfuscate and show themselves off in the best possible light. We believe our suspicion was justified.
This is why we have decided to create a survey that will run alongside the new Framework consultation created by Ofsted. The Alternative Big Consultation will ask the same questions as Ofsted's but will also ask whether Ofsted's proposals are fit for purpose.
We are disappointed that Ofsted has presented just one model of inspection and with a tight deadline, it feels to us that it is a ‘take it or leave it’ strategy. Our survey will allow respondents to consider alternatives which we will share in our final report.
As advocates for inspection, we want to be constructive and believe it is possible to have rigour and robust evaluation of public services while maintaining high levels of respect, appreciation and understanding. We had hoped to see a more collaborative and less confrontational approach being proposed to redress the balance of power/control which currently rests far too heavily with Ofsted.
We want to encourage everyone to respond to our survey, especially those from the Early Years sector who we were unable to fully include in our previous survey. Please tell your friends and colleagues about it. It only takes a few minutes to complete, unlike the Ofsted one. A link to it is here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQ7KG25
In addition, we encourage everyone to engage with Ofsted’s survey.
The closing date for our survey is 4th April 2025. We hope to publish the findings in early May 2025.
Click below to complete the survey
Here is the link to the Alternative Big Consultation
PRESS AND MEDIA RELEASE FOR ABC
FORMER SENIOR HMI LAUNCH ALTERNATIVE FRAMEWORK CONSULTATION
Embargoed: Not for publication or broadcast before 00:01 Tuesday 25 February
Two former senior HMIs, who last year gave the education sector an alternative to Ofsted’s Big Listen, today (25 February) launched another survey to coincide with Ofsted’s consultation on its proposed new inspection framework.
Professor Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE have created the Alternative Big Consultation (ABC) as a means of gathering opinions on Ofsted’s proposed reconfigured inspection system for early years settings, schools and colleges.
The online survey, which mirrors Ofsted’s consultation, can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQ7KG25
and will close on Friday April 4. The results will be published shortly afterwards.
Professor Colin Richards said: “When we established the Alternative Big Listen we did so because we were not confident Ofsted would report without fear or favour and would most likely try to obfuscate and show themselves off in the best possible light. The differences between the reports of the two Big Listens show clearly that our suspicion was justified.
“This is why we have decided to create a survey that will run alongside the consultation recently launched by Ofsted. The Alternative Big Consultation will ask the same questions but will also ask whether the new proposals are fit for purpose.
“We are disappointed that Ofsted has presented a model of inspection very similar to the previous one and with such a tight deadline that it feels like it’s a matter of ‘take it or leave it’.
“Our survey will also allow respondents to suggest different features of a responsive inspection system, which we will share in the report of our results. Ofsted has stated it is willing to be flexible in response to comments made about its proposals. But it is largely pursuing a similar approach to what has gone before. Although we believe that Ofsted’s proposals do not go far enough, we accept that a final decision needs to be made by Ofsted or any successor inspection agency.
Frank Norris said: “As advocates for inspection, we want to be constructive and believe it is possible to have rigour and robust evaluation of public services while maintaining high levels of respect, appreciation and understanding of those being inspected. We hope to see a more collaborative and less confrontational approach being proposed to redress the balance of power/control which currently rests far too heavily with Ofsted.
“We want to show that it is possible to create a system better fit for purpose. However, this will take some time and we will need the help of those who inspect and those who are inspected. We will continue our pursuit of a fairer, more trustworthy and respected inspection process.
“We want to encourage everyone to respond to our survey, especially those from the Early Years sector who we were unable to fully include in our previous survey, but at the same time we would urge them to engage with Ofsted’s consultation.”
The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQ7KG25
More information on the survey can be found here: https://thealternativebiglisten.co.uk
ABL REPORT PUBLICATION PRESS RELEASE
DAMNING SURVEY REVEALS SCHOOLS HAVE COMPLETELY LOST TRUST IN OFSTED
The education sector has completely lost trust in Ofsted according to a damning report, published today (12 July), based on the results of a survey set up by two former government inspectors who wanted to give anyone involved in schools a voice.
Professor Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE, both former senior HMI, created the Alternative Big Listen (ABL) as a means of gathering responses to the questions Ofsted had not asked in its formal consultation on its future. However, they did not foresee the extent to which the almost 1,500 participants would be completely disillusioned with the inspectorate regime.
The results of the ABL show that Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty's Chief Inspector at the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (HMCI) and Bridget Philipson, MP, the new Secretary of State for Education, have a major job to restore the profession’s faith in Ofsted.
The headlines from the ABL are stark with nine out of 10 respondents stating:
• Ofsted is no longer fit for purpose;
• Simplistic one or two word judgments should not be used to characterise the overall effectiveness of a school;
• Inspectors do not sufficiently consider the context of a school’s local area in the judgements they make;
• There should be moratorium on routine (not all) inspections until a fundamental review has taken place.
Prof Colin Richards said: “The findings from the ABL reveal Ofsted has lost very significant levels of trust and confidence from the schools’ sector and suggest that fundamental, not piece-meal, change, is required to craft an inspection system fit for purpose in the second quarter of the twenty-first century. This is urgent given the parlous state of relations, indicated by the ABL survey, between Ofsted and schools.
“As an inspectorate, Ofsted relies heavily on the engagement and goodwill of those it inspects. The judgements made by Ofsted’s inspectors can have lasting positive and negative impacts on the institutions, services and individuals it evaluates. Much of this work is crucially important and tellingly very few of the survey’s respondents argue that
school inspection itself should be scrapped.
Frank Norris MBE said: “The ABL offers a damning critique of Ofsted and clearly demonstrates the amount of work the inspectorate needs to do in order to re-establish confidence in the process. Any pollster would say that to find nine out of ten respondents agreeing on a particular subject is unusual so it is significant that on all the key fundamental issues the ABL, found 90 per cent of participants concur.
“Many want to see radical improvements to ensure inspection is more collaborative and responsive to the context in which schools work. They demand from Ofsted more openness and willingness to accept weaknesses and even failings; they feel that a heavy dose of humility is required. Many believe Ofsted has lost its way and is no longer a reliable source of information on the effectiveness of the schools it inspects. It is
encouraging that the new Government is committed to reform of the inspectorate. These findings indicate they are right to do so.”
The full report can be found at www.thealternativebiglisten.co.uk
ABL REPORT PUBLICATION PRESS RELEASE
DAMNING SURVEY REVEALS SCHOOLS HAVE COMPLETELY LOST TRUST IN OFSTED
The education sector has completely lost trust in Ofsted according to a damning report, published today (12 July), based on the results of a survey set up by two former government inspectors who wanted to give anyone involved in schools a voice.
Professor Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE, both former senior HMI, created the Alternative Big Listen (ABL) as a means of gathering responses to the questions Ofsted had not asked in its formal consultation on its future. However, they did not foresee the extent to which the almost 1,500 participants would be completely disillusioned with the inspectorate regime.
The results of the ABL show that Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty's Chief Inspector at the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (HMCI) and Bridget Philipson, MP, the new Secretary of State for Education, have a major job to restore the profession’s faith in Ofsted.
The headlines from the ABL are stark with nine out of 10 respondents stating:
• Ofsted is no longer fit for purpose;
• Simplistic one or two word judgments should not be used to characterise the overall effectiveness of a school;
• Inspectors do not sufficiently consider the context of a school’s local area in the judgements they make;
• There should be moratorium on routine (not all) inspections until a fundamental review has taken place.
Prof Colin Richards said: “The findings from the ABL reveal Ofsted has lost very significant levels of trust and confidence from the schools’ sector and suggest that fundamental, not piece-meal, change, is required to craft an inspection system fit for purpose in the second quarter of the twenty-first century. This is urgent given the parlous state of relations, indicated by the ABL survey, between Ofsted and schools.
“As an inspectorate, Ofsted relies heavily on the engagement and goodwill of those it inspects. The judgements made by Ofsted’s inspectors can have lasting positive and negative impacts on the institutions, services and individuals it evaluates. Much of this work is crucially important and tellingly very few of the survey’s respondents argue that
school inspection itself should be scrapped.
Frank Norris MBE said: “The ABL offers a damning critique of Ofsted and clearly demonstrates the amount of work the inspectorate needs to do in order to re-establish confidence in the process. Any pollster would say that to find nine out of ten respondents agreeing on a particular subject is unusual so it is significant that on all the key fundamental issues the ABL, found 90 per cent of participants concur.
“Many want to see radical improvements to ensure inspection is more collaborative and responsive to the context in which schools work. They demand from Ofsted more openness and willingness to accept weaknesses and even failings; they feel that a heavy dose of humility is required. Many believe Ofsted has lost its way and is no longer
a reliable source of information on the effectiveness of the schools it inspects. It is encouraging that the new Government is committed to reform of the inspectorate. These findings indicate they are right to do so.”
The full report can be found at www.thealternativebiglisten.co.uk
The Alternative Big Listen relating to School and Post 16 Inspections
Since 1992 Ofsted has been tasked with inspecting all state-funded educational settings in England. Over thirty years on it has now become the centre of intense and often critical professional and media scrutiny.
The recently appointed chief inspector responded by commissioning a so-called “Big Listen” to gauge how much professional and public support there was for Ofsted’s current -intentions and policies. However, it did not allow respondents to judge how successful Ofsted had been in fulfilling those intentions nor did it provide a clear steer in terms of a preferred approach.
This “Alternative Big Listen” offered an opportunity to remedy the major deficiencies by asking respondents to review Ofsted’s current and past performance. It included some of the key questions asked by Ofsted so that a comparison could be made when Ofsted's Big Listen report is published. The Alternative Big Listen had been created by several former HMI all committed to the principle of inspection but also its reform and renewal in the light of thirty or so years of experience of Ofsted.
The Alternative Big Listen Report is published today. It enables the education profession, parents and politicians to compare Ofsted’s stated intentions with its success or otherwise in realising them. We believe it should inform the development of a more responsive future inspection system.
Eric Bolton
I was saddened to hear of the death of my old “boss”, Eric Bolton. I hope these few inadequate words can be put on the website.
Eric Bolton joined the Inspectorate in 1973 and left in 1991 as Senior Chief Inspector just before the demise of HM Inspectorate in 1992. An English specialist, college lecturer and local authority inspector he was appointed SC1 by Sir Keith Joseph despite having served as a labour councillor. Eric’s predecessor, Sheila Browne, was a hard act to follow. But like her, perhaps even more so, he spoke truth to power and reported without fear or favour, sometimes to his cost. He fought hard to preserve a measure of independence for the Inspectorate which became increasingly difficult towards the end of his tenure. He saw the demise of HM Inspectorate as a regrettable “tragedy, small in the great scheme of things, but regrettable nonetheless.”
He was kind, had a knowing sense of humour, was self-deprecating and was only too aware of the human facilities of those he worked for and with. He was always quick to prick pomposity and pretentiousness. He was a well-liked and well-respected leader who in turn respected and, where necessary, strongly defended the judgment of those who worked under him.
Colin Richards
Supporters of The Alternative Big Listen
We are grateful to the following colleagues who offered their support and encouragement throughout The Alternative Big Listen
Prof Julia Waters
Harmer Parr Retired HMI
Stewart Robertson Retired HMI
John Parson Retired HMI
Simon Clements Retired HMI
Tom Wylie Retired HMI
Simon Clements Former HMI
Debbie Clinton Former HMI and CEO
Julie Price Grimshaw, Former HMI
Adrian Lyons, Former HMI
Helena McVeigh Former HMI
Pam Glynn Headteacher
Kendra Allen, Education Consultant
Jan Rowe Liverpool John Moores Univ
Terry Pearson Former Senior Leader and Researcher
Ros McMullen, Former CEO
Stephen Tierney Education Consultant and Former Headteacher
Fiona Millar Governor and Journalist
Bryn Llewellyn Author and Former Headteacher
Dr Vic Carr Headteacher
Glyn Potts Headteacher
Edmund Barnett-Ward Governor at Caversham Primary School
Andy Mellor Academic and Former Headteacher
Dave McPartlin Headteacher
Jonny Uttley CEO
Prof Rachel Lofthouse
Christian Bunting Director of 50 Things to do before your 5
Ruth Swailes Adviser, former Headteacher and inspector
It is with the deepest sadness that we inform you of the death of a former HMI colleague and supporter of The Alternative Big Listen Harmer Parr following a long battle with cancer on 22 July 2024. Harmer was a serving HMI from 2002 to 2008 and is survived by his wife, Vivien.
ABL Survey Launch Press Release
FORMER SENIOR OFSTED INSPECTORS SET UP ALTERNATIVE BIG LISTEN SURVEY
Two former senior government inspectors, who believe Ofsted’s recently announced consultation avoids some of the important issues around school inspections, have set up their own survey.
Prof Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE have created the Alternative Big Listen as a means of gathering the responses to questions Ofsted has not asked and also gather views on the overall effectiveness of the school inspection regime.
Following the tragic death of Ruth Perry, the Headteacher at Caversham Primary School and the publication of the Coroner’s Report Ofsted launched the Big Listen to gather views on inspection.
Frank Norris said: “When we completed the official survey, we were both shocked, and sadly not surprised, to see the way the questions had been couched. It was hard to disagree with the leading questions, but it was also frustrating to not be able to get to the heart of the issues. We hope the Alternative Big Listen will be a more insightful survey.
“So far, over 10k responses have been made to the official questionnaire but many have noted that some important elements of inspection are not part of the survey including the use of single word/phrase for judging effectiveness and the usefulness of current inspection reports.”
“That is why we have decided to give those involved in schools and Post 16 settings the opportunity to express their views and include a chance to comment on Ofsted’s effectiveness. This is something the Big Listen avoids.”
Colin Richards added: “We both believe in the value of inspection and although Frank and I don’t agree on all the changes needed we do believe it is important that the profession and those interested in education have the chance to comment on all aspects and not just the ones Ofsted chooses.”
Julia Waters, Ruth Perry’s sister, who is supporting the Alternative Big Listen, said: “The case for radical reform of Ofsted is overwhelming. But in order to find the right solutions to the numerous flaws in the current inspection system, it is vital that the right questions are asked.
“Unlike the official Big Listen, the Alternative Big Listen ensures these questions are explicitly ‘on the table’. I hope the answers received send a clear message to Ofsted and the government about the direction reform must take, to ensure the reformed schools inspection system will be truly safe and fit for purpose.”
Frank and Colin have been joined by education thinkers, leaders and other former HMI and have created an online survey that opens today (1 May) and closes on 12 June. The intention is to share openly and transparently the outcomes of the alternative survey and to do so in a way that may influence Ofsted’s response to their survey findings.
Survey Administrators
FRANK NORRIS
Frank Norris was a Headteacher in Trafford and Cheshire. He was appointed HMI in 2001 and in 2004, led the introduction of HMI as front-line school inspectors and developed detailed grade descriptors to support more consistent judgement-making. In 2005 he was a key figure in the introduction of short inspections and the development of the online self-evaluation form.
He was appointed as a senior Ofsted manager responsible for local authority inspections and in 2009, was promoted to Divisional Manager for Education and Care leading the development of the two school inspection frameworks that were introduced in 2012. He was appointed senior school improvement adviser for Stockport MBC in September 2012. In 2013 he became the Coop Group's Education Director and in 2014 was appointed CEO of the Co-op Academies Trust. In September 2019, Frank stood down from the CEO role and became the Co-op’s adviser on education and school matters. He was awarded an MBE in the summer of 2019 for his services to education. He was appointed the Northern Powerhouse Partnership's adviser on education and skills in 2019. He is currently a trustee and chair of finance at the Great Academies and Education Trust and Vice Chair of the Liverpool Education Board. He was the independent chair of the Blackpool Education Improvement Board between 2020 and 2004 and chair of the Priority Education Investment Area Board up to November 2023. He is on the advisory Board of InnovateHer, a not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring more women play an active and senior role in digital and tech companies.
COLIN RICHARDS
Since resigning from Ofsted after a very public dispute with its chief inspector, Colin Richards has been Honorary Professor at the University of Warwick, Visiting Professor at the Universities of Leicester and Newcastle and is currently Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cumbria.
Following a career in primary and university teacher education he was the first person to be seconded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate in 1980. From 1983 to 1996 as an HMI he specialised in primary education and teacher education and held the post of Staff Inspector (Curriculum 5-16) followed by that of Staff Inspector (Primary Education) and Ofsted’s Specialist Adviser for Primary Education.
Since leaving Ofsted he has maintained a keen but critical interest in the issues of standards, primary and secondary education, the school curriculum, governance and inspection.. He has been chair of governors of a Cumbrian secondary school which has voted twice not to seek academy status and he has been a National Leader of Governance. He is also a member of the New Visions in Education Group and tweets as @colinsparkbridg
As a critic of much (though not all) of past and present government education policy he is a frequent contributor to the national press (in particular to the Guardian, the Observer, the Independent, the New Statesman, the Times Educational Supplement and Schools Week). He treasures the epithet “an old-fashioned HMI” bestowed on him by a former chief inspector of schools who meant it as a damning criticism!
Privacy Policy
The Alternative Big Listen and The Alternative Big Consultation are administered by Prof Colin Richards and Frank Norris MBE using a survey system provided by a third party, SurveyMonkey.
Participation in the surveys is voluntary and anonymous.
As the survey is anonymous, we were not able to remove responses once submitted it. We publish all comments in an anonymised format.
The information you provide in this survey will only be used for consultation and research to help better understand views on Ofsted's current inspection framework proposals and how it might take into account the views and ideas of those it inspects.