Ofsted Criticised For 'Cut And Paste' Reports

An investigation has begun into claims that Ofsted approved "cut and paste" inspection reports using identical sentences and phrases.

Two primary schools were placed in special measures following the reports describing "inadequate" standards, thte Times Educational Supplement (TES) reported.

While standing by its overall judgments, Ofsted is looking into whether Belvedere Junior School in Kent and Malmesbury Primary School in east London were treated unfairly.

The reports on the two schools repeat a number of sentences verbatim and key passages differ by only one or two words, according to the Times Educational Supplement.

National Association of Head Teachers general secretary Russell Hobby said he had heard anecdotal reports of "cut and paste" reports, adding such a practice was "not acceptable given that the fate of the school rests on what is written."

Belvedere was inspected in January, with the report, which judged the school should be put into special measures, published in March.

Malmesbury was inspected in March, with the report declaring it inadequate and requiring special measures, published a month later.

Both reports make comments about the low attainment of pupils in reading, writing and maths which vary by just a few words.

An Ofsted spokeswoman said: "Both inspection reports were subject to moderation by Ofsted and we stand by the judgments they record.

"We are concerned by the similarity of some of the wording used in the two reports and this is being looked into with the inspector concerned."

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