This week I highlight new data from the DfE on the number of complaints to Ofsted about schools last financial year as well as new research highlighting teachers’ concerns that children don’t receive enough support for their reading at home and that screen time is a major challenge in encouraging children to read.

Rise in parental complaints to Ofsted
Data released by the DfE indicates complaints to Ofsted about schools rose by 5% in the 2024-25 financial year, reaching 16,700 cases, the equivalent of more than 45 complaints per day. Despite this, fewer complaints met the criteria for investigation, with only 9% deemed to be qualifying, down from 12% the previous year, meaning 91% were classed as non-qualifying. Noting a growing trend of families bypassing schools entirely, Ofsted emphasised the need for parents to first exhaust their school’s complaints procedure before going to them.

Research highlights concern over children’s reading skills
The latest research commissioned by education technology company Renaissance indicates over 80% of teachers are worried that children do not receive enough support for their reading at home, and around 90% fear that screen time is a major challenge in encouraging children to read. The research comes amid the DfE’s initiative, The National Year of Reading 2026, which aims to encourage children and young people to read for pleasure. Government guidance on screen time for children aged under five is due to be published soon.