ALL schools will face unannounced spot checks by government inspectors from September, it has been revealed.

The new chief of inspection body Ofsted said he has taken action following claims that unruly pupils and inadequate teachers are kept out of sight when heads have been warned in advance.

Many head teachers claim the changes will make little difference.

Head of Bournemouth School for Girls, Alistair Brien said: “Good schools have nothing to fear from this – it is important that Ofsted see schools as they really are.”

And Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw said it is vital the public has “absolute confidence in the integrity of inspections.”

Move finds favour among parents...

The move to perform spot checks on schools has been welcomed by parents.

Karen Pulfer, 53, from Southbourne said: “I think it is a good idea. If schools are given notice, then inspectors will not see what a typical day is like.

“I’m a midwife and inspectors come in with no warning to see what I’m doing – it should be the same in schools.”

Marie France-Harris, a retired teacher from Bournemouth, said: “We used to know well in advance when inspectors were coming and were told what to do to prepare for it – the inspectors didn’t see the school as it really was.”

Nicki Magiun, 34, from Lilliput, a full-time mum of two-year-old twins, said: “I think it is a very good idea because schools will have to keep their standards high at all times.

“I’m sure a lot of schools prepare for inspections, then let standards fall again.”

Roger and Jill Forward from Poole have a 16-year-old son and Roger said: “There should definitely be spot checks then they can see what the school’s really like”.

Gill added: “They should not need a warning – I have heard some schools send home all their disruptive pupils.”