Nursery World - Independent inquiry launched into Ofsted inspection in schools

The National Education Union is sponsoring a ‘timely and urgent’ independent inquiry into Ofsted to look at the current inspection system, in the wake of ongoing controversy and calls for reform.

There is growing concern about the impact of Ofsted inspections on teachers and school leaders

Launched on Tuesday, ‘Beyond Ofsted – an inquiry into the future of school inspection’, aims to develop a set of principles for underpinning 'a better education system and proposals for an alternative approach' to the current regime.

Inquiry members include NEU members, head teachers, industry experts, and academics.

They say that Ofsted has become more ‘punitive than supportive’ and is leading to unimaginable levels of stress for teachers and school leaders, which does not serve children’s interests.

It will be chaired by former schools’ minister Jim Knight, now Lord Knight of Weymouth and a Labour peer, with the aim of setting a framework for an inspection system ‘fit for the increasingly complex needs of schools today.’

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