Ofsted is a pressurised and high-stakes inspection system which can cause anxiety, stress and unsustainable workload for educators.
The negative impact of an impending Ofsted inspection and its aftermath on staff is well documented.
For instance, the Beyond Ofsted Inquiry, commissioned by the NEU, showed that Ofsted is perceived as toxic by teachers and experts, impacts on wellbeing, and that inspectors are perceived as biased, antagonistic, inconsistent and lacking expertise. The NEU’s job quality report (2023) also shows Ofsted’s impact on workload, professionalism and job satisfaction. Teachers under a high risk of inspection (in the ‘window’) were more likely to report being exhausted than those who thought a visit was less likely. The inspection system was also associated with a lowering of job quality because it was viewed as lessening teachers’ agency, autonomy and control over their working time. Teachers have increased job satisfaction when they feel the tasks that they undertake are worthwhile to their pupils. Being overburdened with tasks that only serve a bureaucratic purpose, for instance to become ‘Ofsted ready’, leads teachers to feel stressed and undervalued as professionals.
While the NEU continues to campaign on a national level for a new system that is supportive, effective and fair, it is vital that our members are protected from Ofsted’s harmful impact on the ground.
We have developed an Ofsted risk assessment guide and proforma to help schools, in consultation with the recognised trade unions, to assess the extent of harm that may be caused by the Ofsted process and take practical steps to minimise these risks.
Ofsted and school inspection changes
In November 2025, a new inspection framework came into place. The NEU has produced a suite of guidance for members, including information on the six key changes that educators need to know about. We have also produced more bespoke advice for school leaders.
The NEU is extremely concerned about the new school inspection framework. We believe it is likely to make working conditions worse - not better = for teachers, leaders and support staff. The Ofsted risk assessment guidance will be vital in helping schools minimise the new risks this framework poses.
Mock inspections
While the external pressures of Ofsted cannot be ignored, many of the accountability measures implemented by schools, such as mock inspections and deep dives, are not required or even endorsed by either Ofsted or the DfE.
Mock inspections and preparation for them often replicate the pressures of Ofsted, causing unnecessary stress and extra workload for staff.
The DfE, Ofsted and the NEU all agree that mock inspections are unnecessary and a waste of time.
