Officials at Reading Borough Council have said that they ‘welcome’ Ofsted’s decision to scrap the one or two-word grade.

Ofsted made this decision following multiple consultations with schools and educational representatives across the country after criticisms were raised about 'the folly of the macho culture of high stakes accountability'.

This move comes after persistent campaigning by Ruth's family and many individuals in the education and school sector, particularly school leaders and teachers.

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) have also expressed their relief at the decision to abolish one-word inspection judgements by the Government and Ofsted.

Earlier this year, both the council and BFfC made strong recommendations against the practice through Ofsted’s 'Big Listen' consultation.

Schools across Reading greatly contributed to this consultation, advocating for the end of one-word judgements.

Reading Council said: "We hope this significant change, effective immediately, alongside the future introduction of school report cards, will mark a more productive and collaborative approach between the schools’ regulator, local schools and parents which is wholly geared towards the wellbeing of children and their quality of education."

Criticisms were expressed in Reading's Independent Learning Review following recommendations and opinions voiced by local education representatives.

The council's workforce is already receiving training to deal with this new system.

The council stated: "We look forward to working with the new system and our staff are already undergoing training, so they can offer help and support to schools across Reading.

Although it hasn’t been formally announced yet, the council has said that they look forward to seeing a similar change with the CQC inspection regime.