More classroom presence for Ofsted

Education watchdog Ofsted will spend more time in classrooms after receiving criticism that it was focusing too much on exam results, it has been reported.

Christine Gilbert, chief inspector of education, will announce a series of revisions to inspection next week, according to the Guardian.

Currently, Ofsted inspectors spend an average of 3.25 hours in primary classrooms and nine hours in secondary classrooms.

However, the organisation said that this could double in certain circumstances.

Ms Gilbert told the newspaper: "We are working to improve our work so it is more proportionate ... inspectors may spend more time than they currently do in classrooms."

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, agreed with the proposals, telling the paper that it would lead to a "more rounded view" of schools and teachers.

In additional to public sector schools, Ofsted also regulates childminders, creches, day-care providers and initial teacher training.