In an open letter, Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver thanks
education leaders across England.
Dear colleague,
I am writing to say thank you.
I know what a busy month September has been for you, with the
start of a new term in schools and further education colleges,
and the pick-up in numbers following a summer lull in early years
and other further education and skills settings. I know what it
feels like to be dedicating nearly every waking moment to
embedding routines, making progress through the curriculum and
looking out for those children experiencing vulnerabilities.
So thank you for what you do, day in and day out, to improve
children's lives.
I also wanted to give special thanks to those providers that have
supported the development of our renewed education inspection
framework.
To the schools, colleges, nurseries, childminders and other
providers that hosted test visits during the spring and summer
terms: thank you for your system leadership. Thank you too for
your constructive and challenging feedback, which played a
crucial role in improving our reforms.
To the settings that have already hosted pilot visits this
half-term – and the many more that are expecting a pilot shortly:
thank you for allowing our most experienced inspectors to
experience the renewed framework ahead of full implementation in
November. You are playing a leading role in ensuring that our
reforms are successful.
To the schools that have come forward to volunteer for a full
inspection in November: thank you for your trust in us. It is
heartening to see that the majority of school leaders recognise
the importance of shaping the narrative around accountability. We
went past 100 volunteers in mid-September and more leaders are
putting themselves forward every day. As was put recently:
‘collective agency in this moment matters'. I couldn't agree
more.
And, as ever, to the thousands of you who work as inspectors (and
thousands more on our waiting lists), lending your expertise to
improve our work: thank you. Your dedication to improving the
wider system, beyond the gates of your own institution, is
appreciated. You are integral to how we work.
As leaders, we all know change is never easy. But we also know
the effort we put into shaping the future improves the life
chances of the children in our care.
Thank you for your integrity, commitment and leadership.
Best wishes,
Sir Martyn
Oliver
