The threat by headteachers to quit as part-time inspectors unless Ofsted delays and revises its proposed changes to the school inspection system doesn’t go far enough (Headteachers in England threaten to quit as Ofsted inspectors over proposed overhaul, 24 June). At least noncompliance with inspections, or even strike action, should be considered. How on earth is the judgment of schools on a new five-point scale going to improve the life chances of children, as the education secretary apparently believes, let alone solve the problems caused by Ofsted inspections, such as the extreme anxiety they provoke, and the damaging effects they have on teacher recruitment and retention?
With up to 11 areas of each school’s performance and five grades, the danger still exists that some heads of schools will start allocating one to five points, with five for “exemplary”, one for “causing concern”, and multiply them by 11, so that schools with 50-55 points will be seen as “outstanding”, and those below in need of improvement.
