Reform of single-word judgements in Ofsted inspections would be a positive step, says NASUWT

NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union welcomes the recommendation from the House of Commons Education Select Committee that Ofsted and the Department for Education should abandon the use of single-word gradings in school inspections.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary for NASUWT, said:

“The current system of grading schools is not only damaging to the health, wellbeing and morale of teachers and headteachers; it also does nothing to raise educational standards.

“Inspection should contribute to instilling public confidence and assurance, rather than being used as a stick to beat dedicated teachers and headteachers.

“In our latest Big Question Survey, 62% of teachers told us they feel constantly evaluated and judged, and 43% list inspections as a top concern that detracts them from teaching and learning.

“An effective system of inspection should contribute to supporting improvement, not creating a climate of anxiety and fear. We have seen where that can lead and we must never allow inspections to cause harm to teachers or headteachers.

“NASUWT expects real reform to the school inspection system and for the Government to work with the new Chief Inspector of Schools to take up the Education Committee’s recommendations and deliver urgently the changes needed that will benefit the profession, parents and the public.”