Ofsted’s View on The Use of AI

Does Ofsted expect schools to use AI?

Whilst Ofsted has stated that it supports innovation and the use of AI where it improves education and care of children, it does not expect or require schools to use AI in a certain way, or to use it at all.

It does, however, expect schools to recognise that some pupils or staff are likely to be using AI already. We therefore recommend that schools enter into open dialogue with staff to understand how they envisage AI could helpfully be used to enhance their roles to ensure careful consideration and sensible decision-making, even if ultimately the decision is made not to incorporate AI into school life.

If we use AI tools, will they form part of inspection?

No, at least for the time being, Ofsted does not directly evaluate the use of AI, nor of any AI tool. However, inspectors can consider the impact of AI on the outcomes and experiences of pupils. That includes both how schools use AI, and how they respond to the use of AI by others, such as parents and pupils.

Any evaluation that Ofsted makes is about the school’s decision-making - not about the AI tool itself. Inspectors may ask, for example, what steps the school has taken to consider risks associated with AI, including new risks which may emerge.

With increased conversation around AI across the sector, and its prevalence in technological development, will AI form a separate aspect of inspection?

Ofsted will not actively look for AI use during inspection, and it is not a stand-alone part of inspections. Instead, inspectors will consider if the school’s use of, and response to, AI has a significant impact on pupils. If so, this will be recorded in the same way as any other evidence gathered during inspection.

Inspectors may also explore how the school ensures that AI use by pupils is in their best interests. For example, inspectors may look at the school’s policy on pupils’ use of AI. If pupils are using AI inappropriately, inspectors may consider how the school has dealt with this.

There are risks associated with the use of AI. How will these risks be considered during inspection?

The risks associated with AI will not be evaluated separately. However, they will be addressed when there are implications on other areas that are already considered. For example:

• inspectors may ask questions similar to those they ask about any other instances of the collection, storage and processing of personal data

• inspectors will consider the safeguarding risks posed by AI when reviewing the school’s safeguarding culture

• the risk of bias and discrimination, and measures taken to mitigate this, are already part of what inspectors consider when collecting evidence

Next steps

The use of AI in schools is a conversation which is growing, and there is potentially a significant impact on schools, whether or not they choose to introduce AI into teaching. It is key for schools to have a well-drafted AI policy in place, as well as ensuring that AI is considering in other key policies, to ensure that they are best protected from the risks that are posed by AI.

If you would like support to consider how AI may be used in your school, and how to mitigate the risks and ensure suitable decision-making, please get in touch.