Commenting as Ofsted publishes its response to HM Coroner's
Prevention of Future Deaths report delivered after the inquest
into the death of Ruth Perry, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of
school leaders’ union NAHT, which represents leaders in the
majority of schools in England, said:
“There is no doubt that we have seen a welcome change in tone
from Ofsted this year, and this response demonstrates an apparent
willingness from the HMCI to listen and work closely with the
profession.
“Some of the early actions that Ofsted have taken in response to
the coroner’s report are a small step in the right direction.
However, much more needs to be done if the inspectorate is to
fully address the concerns of school leaders.
“Some of these proposals have the potential to improve certain
aspects of inspection, but Ofsted also urgently need start
addressing the underlying issues that are causing the stress and
pressure on schools, rather just tackling the symptoms.
“We hope that when the HMCI says that ‘nothing is off the table’
when it comes to the future of inspection, that he really means
it.
“NAHT has compiled a thorough report into
the changes necessary to make our inspection system fair,
proportionate and humane. This includes widespread support from
school leaders for the removal of one-word judgements.
“These, and other long-term recommendations for change must be
listened to if the education profession is to regain its trust in
the inspectorate. We stand ready to help the new HMCI in
delivering that change.
“NAHT remains of the view that far-reaching fundamental reform is
still required. This must the start of that process, not the end
of it.”
Regarding the timing of the report, Mr Whiteman said: “We have
been assured by Ofsted that those schools expecting inspection
next week will not be expected to read this full report over the
weekend. The timing of its release and their inspections will be
taken into account.”
