Labour is warned new Ofsted rating system for schools - devised after headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life - has been 'rushed' and will only 'make matters worse'

A new ratings system for schools has been 'rushed and botched' and will 'make matters worse', critics warned last night. It will be launched by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who is expected to insist that it 'raises the bar on what we expect from schools' The redesigned blueprint, unveiled today, is aimed at making inspections by education watchdog Ofsted 'fairer' to teachers Keir Starmer was forced to defend dropping overall one-word judgements September, insisting it would not 'confuse parents' But six of Ofsted's own staff members have now reportedly said the plans were 'rushed and botched', and 'cobbled together at ridiculous speed', having been drawn up since Labour's election victory. Six of Ofsted's own staff members have now reportedly said the plans were 'rushed and botched', and 'cobbled together at ridiculous speed', having been drawn up since Labour's election victory There will be nine new assessment areas which will each be rated as 'exemplary', 'strong', 'secure', 'attention needed' or 'causing concern', with green and red colour-coding Ofsted said the new report cards are aimed at taking a 'fairer' and 'balanced' approach to 'reduce the pressure on professionals' Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the ASCL union, said it will 'subject a beleaguered profession to yet more misery'. Ruth Perry took her own life after her Primary School was downgraded by Ofsted Mrs Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, has been campaigning for change at Ofsted but even she said yesterday it was 'dangerous' and introduced 'new risks' The nine assessment areas of the new system include leadership, curriculum, achievement, behaviour, attendance and inclusion. Under the Tories, the Department for Education refused to change Ofsted reports, saying accountability was needed, but after winning power Labour immediately abolished one-word judgements, and commissioned today's full re-design.