Commenting on data published today by Ofsted, Dr Mary
Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education
Union, said:
"Today's data release from Ofsted shows that schools and colleges
are doing an incredible job in ensuring the education of children
and young people continues throughout the pandemic. This is in
spite of patchy and frequently unhelpful advice from Government,
too often delivered late or during unsocial hours.
"Routine inspections have been an ​unnecessary distraction during
this term. Schools have, in too many cases, felt under pressure
to divert their time towards preparing for inspection rather than
continuing to prioritise support for pupils’ learning. Visits
also have a huge impact on the stress and workload of already
beleaguered school staff.
"Government has recognised this and has at least paused
inspections until January, but they must go further. That is why
the National Education Union, alongside the NASUWT, wrote to the
education secretary last week calling for a pause on Ofsted
inspection until at least after February half-term.
"Education recovery is the most vital work of schools and
colleges right now. The rise of Omicron will contribute yet
further to the disruption of education, which makes a focus on
recovery all the more important. Now is not the time for Ofsted
to intrude on the essential service that teachers, leaders and
support staff are providing. The inspectorate is simply a burden
and should get out of the way."
