MEON Valley's MP has asked for Ofsted to show more flexibility and understanding when they inspect small rural schools when she spoke in Parliament recently.

Flick Drummond has been concerned about how small rural schools in her constituency often worry about being inspected at short notice – something that was raised by the head of West Meon Primary School during a recent visit.

She asked school standards minister Damian Hinds: “The last-minute nature of Ofsted inspections is causing huge anxiety to my small rural schools in Meon Valley. 

“That means that teachers and in particular headteachers are putting off activities, such as residential school trips, educational trips and professional development courses, in case they get that call from Ofsted. 

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“Will my right honourable friend consider changing the notice period for inspections so that teachers can plan their workload better?”

Speaking afterwards Ms Drummond thanked the head Julie Kelly for talking about the issue when they met recently at her school.

She said: “Julie is the Hampshire Branch Secretary for the National Association of Headteachers and is also on the national executive representing the south central region. In that role she has been working with Ofsted to improve its inspector training to prepare them for the unique context of small schools. 

“I was happy to bring to the minister her views and my own concerns. I will continue to support our small rural schools and ensure they receive a fair inspection from Ofsted.”