Commenting on the plans emerging from Ofsted's Big Listen, as
well as Christine Gilbert's independent review, Daniel
Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education
Union, said:
“Through the Big Listen, Ofsted recognises that all sectors have
spoken in unison about the damage caused to staff well-being and
mental health. It is clear that they have been criticised about
almost every aspect of their operation. We acknowledge that Sir
Martyn Oliver has approached this consultation sincerely and has
been candid in his willingness to face up to that feedback. This
is an improvement on his predecessor's state of denial.
“We are faced with a long list of commitments today which amount
to a refining of the status quo. It will take a great deal more
to convince our members that Ofsted is anything other than a
recurring nightmare.
“Christine Gilbert is right to say that Ofsted needs reform. She
is also correct in recommending that the inspectorate listens not
just now but in the future. The Gilbert review could have been
more explicit about how the pressure and isolation felt by
leaders must be tackled. Mental health isn't a peripheral or
separate concern. It is fundamental.
“Ofsted is broken and we need to see it replaced urgently by a
system of inspection which is supportive, effective and fair. The
removal of over-arching single-word judgements is a step forward,
but a small one. It does not amount to root and branch reform. It
is not a reassurance, when inspectors come knocking, that there
will be any respect shown to hard-working teachers, leaders and
support staff.
“Moving towards a report card needs to be done absolutely hand in
hand with the profession and in full recognition of the huge
pressures on the system- staff expertise and knowledge must be
valued. A new evaluation model must lead to a broader vision of
what education is for.
“The lack of trust in Ofsted runs deep. It has caused untold
damage and misery. Its time is up”.
