The petition calling for an end to the inspectorate's 'reign of terror' and for 'fair and just procedures for everyone' has been launched by childminder Katalin Ladoczki, who runs London based Hedgehog House, which has five staff and last year was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.
It was created ahead of proposals announced by Ofsted's outgoing chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, in June, to reform the inspection process for education settings. However many of the plans only apply to schools, not early years, resulting in criticism from the sector.
'Every time we get a notification that our inspection is due, my staff and I feel physically sick'.
Ladoczki’s petition details how 'one constant source of stress and negativity' for her team has been 'the hostile and inconsistent attitude of Ofsted towards our efforts – and this is an experience shared by every childcare provider and professional I speak to'.
'Every time we get a notification that our inspection is due, my staff and I feel physically sick with worry: we know our fate is in the hands of one person whose judgement may not only be influenced by his/her mood on that day but will also be based on an unclear and demeaning grading system,' adds the petition.
Ladoczki’s petition also references primary school headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life in January after her primary school in Reading received an ‘inadequate’ rating.
'We cannot ignore the potential negative impacts that the current inspection system can have on the mental health and well-being of those who work tirelessly to educate and care for our children,' states her petition.
'It is time to take action and demand change to ensure that no educator feels the need to suffer in silence or take their own life due to the pressures of an unfair and oppressive inspection system.'
Reforms Ladoczki is calling for include:
- The creation of a group within Ofsted that includes representatives from all education sectors to ensure the inspection system 'truly reflects our needs and aspirations'.
- Ensuring that 'the future of a childcare setting is not solely based on one inspector’s subjective opinion, formed over a few hours or days'. She says inspections should also offer constructive criticism, be more transparent and better consider the views of parents.
One early years provider to sign Ladoczki’s petition recounts her own setting’s ‘inadequate’ judgement last year.
'I haven't slept properly for the last 4 months, I've cried daily, I'm having palpitations, I have ringing in my ears and I constantly feel in a state of panic. The impact that it also has on family life is dangerous,' they said.
An Ofsted spokesperson said, 'The current inspection process was introduced after extensive research, consultation, and engagement with the early years sector. We regularly talk with providers and parents to ensure that the process is as positive an experience for nurseries and childminders as it can be.
'Our inspectors are all highly trained and are mostly former or current early years providers themselves, so they understand what it is like to be on the other side of an inspection.'
