Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union responds to the launch of Ofsted’s ‘Big Listen’ consultation,
Ofsted says:
“We want to be trusted by the parents, carers, children and learners we work for, and the professionals we work with.”
Shreeve: We believe, Ofsted is not fit for purpose
Mr Shreeve said,
“The NEU wants to trust you, but too often there has been a climate of fear around Ofsted. Serious root and branch reform is required.
“We believe Ofsted is not fit for purpose. It must be replaced with a new inspection system, that is supportive, effective and fair, like the one proposed by the recent Beyond Ofsted inquiry.
“Providing expert honest support rather than mere judgement would protect the wellbeing of teaching staff, helping learners from all backgrounds to thrive.”
Shreeve: Lack of Government support
He went on to add,
“It’s easy to point out what schools are not doing. It’s harder to publicly explain why, when your employer and boss is the Government. But the why is key.
“The why is too often a lack of Government support. At worst, insufficient qualified subject specialists, mental health and special needs support service, as well as hungry children.”
Shreeve: With sufficient resources, schools stand a chance of getting things right
He finishes by saying,
“The Chief Inspector says: ‘We don’t want disadvantage or vulnerability to be a barrier. Because if you get it right for the most disadvantaged, you get it right for everyone.’ Indeed, with sufficient resources, schools stand a chance of getting things right.
“If Ofsted is bold enough to report on the bigger picture about why many schools struggle to do well, they would fulfil their aim. It is: to follow the Big Listen with ‘real action’! It would mark ‘a new chapter’ in Ofsted’s relationship with the education and care sectors.”
