Hmmm Do Private Educational Providers enjoy 'special relationships with OFSTED?'?

Question

I have just come off the phone with a dear colleague of long standing. We had so many heated arguments on ethical questions at Uni .. we had to become great friends or kill each other.

He kept solidly to his 'old labour' ideals ... working entirely in State Schools .... He recently was offered a post (via what I would call a 'head hunting' type agency) with a private educational 'company' that accepts public money commissions to provide 'special needs' Ed. to vunerable children. He accepted the post -cos "It is PUBLIC money".

Well he was appalled.... the educational provision was a greater butchery of ethics than the slaughter of the King's Sedgemoor during the Monmouth rebellion... He brought the main points up in a meeting today ( Students needs/ Every Child Matters/... finally Ofsted).. He was told that the holding company had a special relationship with Ofsted- don't worry - ..He resigned at this point. However he wonders is it true that Private Co's hold the Ofsted Keys?

Answer 1

No, not in the slightest.

Answer 2

Of course they don't. They do have more money available to them and so provide a much better service to their pupils. They also usually attract better staff because they offer better wages.

Answer 3

I work for a privately owned preschool (a small one run by funding like other preschools but not part of a chain or day nursery) and I had a similar discussion....why is it that private nurseries which get money off the parents rather than government funding appear to get the better OFSTED reports? They get the outstandings for doing basically the same as funded setting who get goods if they are lucky.

It seems like money matters doesnt it...however without proof its a case of grit teeth and smile when I read an article about another 'amazing school'

PS: Im not saying that ALL private settings dont deserve outstandings I know settings that are fabulous! I guess Im just venting :)

Answer 4

I am divided on this point.  My experience tells me, sadly, yes it is possible.  Is it likely?  Doubtful unless the circumstances are exceptional.  Are your friend's bosses idiots?  Definately.  Is he perhaps a tad naive?  I would say so.  

The butchery of ethics (good phrase!) has been going on for decades now.  Educators have no pride or regard for children in their care as a whole - oh, Im sure some people will be screaming "My school/teacher is excellent!" - Im not talking about individuals here - Im talking about the education system as a whole.  It began with the Conservatives and has continued into to the Labour era.  

Seriously underfunded in some areas, over funded in others, schools closing, herding children into ever larger classes at younger and younger ages, with little quality control other than SATs and exam results so that those less able are set aside to flounder and often fail.  Oh yes, I have witnessed first hand schools that have "bussed" less able kids out of the school for the day when OFSTEAD came to visit.  I have known parents who have had their complaints to OFSTEAD blocked (and in one case returned to the school by OFSTEAD themselves).  I even know schools all over the country who will get teachers to "help" less able kids on their SATs so they get a better score than their abilities accurately reflect. (One school I knew even filled the SATs in for them!)

Sadly, in any large organisation corruption will exist.  I know that OFSTEAD does not always work impartially or indeed as thoroughly as they would have you believe.  Its sad, but probably true.  Its the unspoken side of education that is little publicised.  Just ask any parent of a special needs child.

Answer 5

No they just give a better service..

Answer 6

most probably... everything is corrupt these days. look at the state of education in England. its flippen crazy.