Stop the Ofsted inspections that are harming teachers

‘Accountability without humanity serves neither school leaders nor the children whose education depends on them.’ Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Your report (New Ofsted inspection regime is damaging our health, headteachers say, 21 September) reflects what those of us supporting school leaders are hearing. As a volunteer with Headrest, a school leader wellbeing helpline, I cannot discuss individual cases. I can, however, describe the disturbing patterns we encounter.

We have spoken to headteachers whom mental health professionals considered suicide risks following their experience of the Ofsted process. We have spoken to leaders whose physical or mental health has been seriously damaged by inspections. We have heard from headteachers who successfully navigated inspections but then chose early retirement rather than face that level of stress again.