As reported by NAHT, a comprehensive analysis of NAHT’s survey uncovers the concerning effects of the current school inspection model in England, urging immediate and long-term reforms for a fair and effective system that benefits all stakeholders
NAHT argues that the appointment of a new chief inspector for schools is not just timely, it also represents a moment of significant opportunity – an opportunity to stop and think about how we want school inspection to operate in this country and the perfect opportunity to create a fair, proportionate and humane system of inspection that works for everyone.
The report sets out the interim steps required to make inspection safer, alongside the longer-term reforms required to deliver a fair, proportionate and humane inspection system.
Immediate action
Ofsted is urged to take immediate action, including conducting a comprehensive review of the Ruth Perry case, collaborating with trade unions to learn from school leaders and teachers, retraining inspectors based on coroner’s findings, emphasizing adherence to the code of conduct, and empowering schools to raise concerns during inspections. Additionally, the organization is advised to strengthen internal oversight, commit to publishing training materials, and, once these steps are completed, revert to interim ungraded inspections for schools, except those causing concern, with extended notice periods and a focus on evaluating strengths and weaknesses through a concise letter.
Long term changes
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) recommends significant changes to the Ofsted inspection system, including the removal of graded judgments, reforming inspection reports for more detailed analysis, revising the inspection framework, and reviewing the notice period for schools. Additionally, the NAHT proposes separating safeguarding checks from inspections, improving inspector expertise, introducing inspections at the trust level, and designing a new complaints process to address concerns about inspector conduct and substantive judgments.
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