School leaders' union NAHT has called for an immediate end to
reductive single word judgments in its response to Ofsted's Big
Listen consultation. The union is demanding far-reaching and
fundamental reform, as the dangerous inspection regime remains a
risk to life for teachers and leaders.
The Big Listen was triggered after the tragic death of primary
school headteacher, Ruth Perry. NAHT is clear that in its current
format, the inspection regime continues to threaten the physical
and mental health of teachers and school leaders. While this
immediate threat to professionals continues, NAHT has issued an
urgent call for an immediate pause to graded inspections, and a
permanent end to single-word judgments. The union highlights
that England is increasingly becoming an outlier in using
simplistic labels to describe schools.
NAHT is troubled by premature statements made by the Department
for Education – defending the continued use of inherently
unreliable single-word judgments, undermining the independence of
the inspectorate's consultation. Last year, almost half,
(49%) of school leaders told NAHT in a survey (1) they needed
mental health, or well-being support - and cited Ofsted as the
factor that had the greatest impact on their mental health. The
way Ofsted is currently operating is aggravating the recruitment
and retention crisis in teaching.
NAHT argues that fundamental reform of school inspection in
England is required, contending that in the long term, there
must be a sea-change in Ofsted's ethos, with a new framework and
inspection methodology, which takes a constructive, supportive,
and developmental approach to achieve the best outcomes for
schools.
NAHT also reiterates long-standing calls for a longer window of
warning for inspections - of at least 48 hours, and for all
inspectors to have experience of the school phase they are
inspecting, be it primary, secondary or special. It is not
appropriate for an inspector with experience in the later years
of secondary education to inspect, for example, an infant
school.
The union has also expressed ongoing concerns about Ofsted's
complaints process and has said more must be done to ensure the
inspectorate is accountable, and leaders and teachers can
challenge poor inspection practice.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said:
“Ofsted still has a long way to go to restore credibility within
the education profession. Leaders and teachers have been
traumatised by the inspection regime, and its continued use of
reductive single word judgments. Many are worried that the
Department for Education has seemingly sought to undermine the
consultation by stubbornly reiterating its support for
single-phrase judgements whilst the process is still ongoing.
This sort of overtly political interference is deeply unhelpful.
“I urge Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver to listen
carefully to what the profession is telling him, particularly
when it comes to the use of harmful single-phrase judgements.
When the Big Listen reports back, Ofsted must be bold and embrace
the deep, far-reaching reform the inspectorate desperately
needs.”
Notes to editor
- NAHT surveyed 1,890 leaders in England between 21 September
and 12 October 2023. The survey included head teachers, assistant
and deputy heads, principals, heads of schools, school business
leaders, executive leaders and middle leaders.
