Commenting on the proposals for reform of inspection published by
Ofsted today, Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General
Secretary, said:
“It is to be welcomed that the Chief Inspector has committed to a
genuine consultation around essential reforms to the inspection
system in England. No one should be in any doubt that reform is
necessary and long overdue.
"However, it is deeply regrettable that the proposals published
by Ofsted highlight how far away we still are from developing a
fit-for-purpose approach to school accountability that serves the
public interest whilst respecting, supporting and valuing the
work of the teaching profession.
"Whilst we will be seeking engagement on the detail set out in
Ofsted's proposals, it is already clear that further significant
changes are still needed to the way in which inspections are
undertaken and their outcomes reported.
"Some of the proposals Ofsted has put forward may have merit, but
others fail to address the root problems and could make the
experience of inspection even worse.
“Reform of inspection must not be limited to tinkering at the
edges with grading scales and descriptors; we need to see
fundamental reform to the climate, conditions and culture of the
wider accountability framework within which Ofsted operates.
“Whilst we welcome the Chief Inspector's commitment to securing a
constructive and collaborative relationship with the profession,
we are concerned that the continuing high stakes system of
inspection and accountability will do more harm than good and
will not help Ofsted to build a relationship of trust with the
profession.
“The reforms needed will also require changes to be made by the
government as well as by Ofsted.
"We still need to see the government addressing the flawed
legislative framework within which Ofsted is required to operate
and which continues to undermine trust in inspection.
"We have been clear from the outset that any effective reform to
inspection must be capable of commanding the support of the
profession. To date, we have seen too little engagement,
especially on the big idea of the Report Card. This 12-week
consultation must now provide the opportunity to lift the lid on
Ofsted's proposals and examine these changes in detail.
“However, we are concerned that by insisting on a timescale for
implementing these reforms from autumn 2025, the government risks
preventing deep and meaningful engagement and testing of
proposals that needs to be undertaken with the sector to ensure
that the effectiveness of these reforms. If more time is needed,
the government and Ofsted must ensure that more time is given to
get these changes right.
"It must never be forgotten that the impetus for the development
of these proposals and recent debates about inspection and
accountability were a consequence of the tragic death of
headteacher Ruth Perry. It is vital that Ofsted and the Chief
Inspector are able to demonstrate through this consultation that
these proposals will ensure that all future inspections are
carried out with professionalism, empathy, courtesy and respect.”
