Commenting on the plans emerging from Ofsted’s Big Listen, as well as Christine Gilbert’s independent review, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Through the Big Listen, Ofsted recognises that all sectors have spoken in unison about the damage caused to staff well-being and mental health. It is clear that they have been criticised about almost every aspect of their operation. We acknowledge that Sir Martyn Oliver has approached this consultation sincerely and has been candid in his willingness to face up to that feedback. This is an improvement on his predecessor’s state of denial.
“We are faced with a long list of commitments today which amount to a refining of the status quo. It will take a great deal more to convince our members that Ofsted is anything other than a recurring nightmare.
“Christine Gilbert is right to say that Ofsted needs reform. She is also correct in recommending that the inspectorate listens not just now but in the future. The Gilbert review could have been more explicit about how the pressure and isolation felt by leaders must be tackled. Mental health isn’t a peripheral or separate concern. It is fundamental.
“Ofsted is broken and we need to see it replaced urgently by a system of inspection which is supportive, effective and fair. The removal of over-arching single-word judgements is a step forward, but a small one. It does not amount to root and branch reform. It is not a reassurance, when inspectors come knocking, that there will be any respect shown to hard-working teachers, leaders and support staff.
“Moving towards a report card needs to be done absolutely hand in hand with the profession and in full recognition of the huge pressures on the system- staff expertise and knowledge must be valued. A new evaluation model must lead to a broader vision of what education is for.
“The lack of trust in Ofsted runs deep. It has caused untold damage and misery. Its time is up”.