The coalition of voices from across the education sector calls on education secretary Bridget Philipson to delay the roll out of Ofsted’s consultation proposals. They argue that Ofsted has demonstrated its failure to address lessons from headteacher Ruth Perry’s death.
It comes on the last day that people are able to respond to Ofsted’s consultation.
The coalition is concerned that the new report cards and the grading system, two consultation proposals, ‘fail to address the recommendations of the coroner following the ‘tragic, preventable death of Ruth Perry.
The coalition believe the new proposed system will make inspections even less reliable and will continue to drive ‘excessive pressure, ill-health and stress’ for the profession.
The letter asks Bridget Phillipson to delay the proposals drawn from the consultation, in order to ‘take the time needed to get change right’.
It states, ‘Ofsted must take the time to consider the consultation evidence properly, including responding to expert feedback from the profession. It must make changes as a result of that evidence. Schools also need the necessary lead-in time to prepare for a new system. Most importantly, trust in the system needs to be restored, both for the profession and for the wider public – trust that is completely lacking as things currently stand and which has only been exacerbated by the rushed and closed nature of the consultation.
‘We urge you to delay these proposals to take the time needed to get change right. We are confident that, working collectively with you and Ofsted, we can design a school inspection system that will meet the DfE’s principles for an improved accountability system and one that supports all children to achieve and thrive, without driving more talented educators out of the profession.’
