BLACKPOOL South MP Gordon Marsden has been at the heart of a critical report of OFSTED.

Mr Marsden joined other MPs in the education select committee to produce the first report of its kind examining the work of the schools investigatory body.

The article, concluding ten months of inquiry, calls for improvements in OFSTED's inspection of schools, local education authorities and teacher training.

The committee also recommends changes to the way OFSTED is held accountable and highlights the need for a more high profile role for its chief inspector Chris Woodhead.

The report, now awaiting a response from the Department of Education and Employment before being debated in Parliament, recommends that the period of notice given to schools regarding an inspection be reduced from one term to four weeks.

For the first time the report proposes the inspection framework takes into account schools with high levels of pupil mobility - a factor which affects school ratings.

Mr Marsden said: "This is particularly important for seaside towns like Blackpool who have high levels of pupils moving between schools and it is good that we have tackled the problem.

"I think we have struck the right balance between supporting a strong external investigation process and reassuring the teachers that OFSTED is working with and not against them.

"It is now for Chris Woodhead to read the report carefully and learn the lessons especially regarding his own personal style."

Co-chairman of the committee Malcolm Wicks MP said: "We recognise the significant achievements made by OFSTED since it was established in 1993, but improvements to its work are required if we are to maximise the potential benefits of thorough, independent inspection."

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