Ofsted puts school inspections on hold for mental health training for inspectors, but early years inspections will continue
Catherine Gaunt
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
The new chief inspector of Ofsted has halted routine Ofsted inspections in schools until later in January to allow all inspectors to attend mental health training – however in a move criticised by the sector, early years inspections will continue.
Sir Martyn Oliver takes up the role on Tuesday (2 January) and has pledged to launch an inquiry into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.
Last month, a coroner ruled that the inspection of Perry’s school had contributed to her death.
The coroner issued a 'prevention of future deaths notice’ with actions for the body to address urgently.
Following this, teaching unions called for all inspections to be suspended in the interim.
Sir Martyn said on Tuesday that routine school inspections in the spring term will begin later this month to allow mental health awareness training for inspectors in the first week of term.
Nursery World asked Ofsted to confirm whether this also applies to early years settings.
A spokesperson said the later start to routine inspections just applies to schools, however the mental health training will be for inspectors working across all Ofsted's remits.
The Early Years Alliance has criticised the inspectorate for excluding early years settings from the halt in inspections.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said it was 'extremely worrying and entirely unacceptable' that Ofsted’s decision to pause inspections did not include early years settings.
'Our own research clearly shows that inspections are not just a cause for concern for providers but their biggest cause of stress,' he said. 'Why, then, is the early years continually forgotten when steps are taken to address wider concerns about Ofsted inspections?
'The fact that early years inspectors, like schools inspectors, will receive mental health awareness training is undoubtedly a positive step but we are yet to receive any explanation as to why nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are continuing with inspections while this training is undertaken when this is not the case for schools.
'We therefore call on Ofsted to ensure that inspections in early years settings are paused in line with schools immediately, and crucially, that any changes to the way that inspections are carried out going forward include the early years sector. After all, we know – and Ofsted knows – that the education system doesn't begin and end with schools.'
A survey carried out by Nursery World last year found that hundreds of nurseries and childminders reported stress and anxiety before inspections.
Ofsted to carry out listening exercise
The chief inspector also said he would embark on ‘a Big Listen’ with all sectors Ofsted inspects and regulates at the start of his five-years as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.
Sir Martyn said, ‘Over the last year, since the tragic death of Ruth Perry, our inspections have come under great scrutiny. I’m determined that we learn from this to improve the way we work and respond fully to the coroner’s inquest, taking tangible actions to address the concerns raised. A lot has been done already, but a lot more can be done now – starting with a robust programme of mental health awareness training for all our inspectors. That begins next week and will become an integral part of how we train and develop our people.
‘The materials we use and the changes we have already made, along with much more to come, will be made available for all to see. We are determined to bring about a fresh start in the New Year to inspire greater confidence in our work among parents and the sectors we inspect and regulate.’
Ofsted said that ‘The Big Listen’, to begin later this term, would allow Sir Martyn to hear directly from parents and professionals about the strengths and weaknesses of Ofsted’s current approach to inspection and regulation.
‘Along with immediate training on mental health awareness, one of the first things I want to do is listen – to parents, to professionals in the sectors we work with, and to people with an interest in our work,’ Sir Martyn added. ‘We are here for children, their parents and carers – and we will serve them best by working constructively, respectfully and empathetically with the experts who are responsible for their education and care. Our people come from these sectors. We understand the pressures they are under – and we will make that clear as we go about our work.’
Union leaders welcomed the of a delay to inspections to allow for proper training in dealing with mental health and wellbeing. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said, ‘This announcement shows that the new chief inspector has a greater understanding of the problem. Allowing time for training is a positive signal.
‘Next, Sir Martyn needs to agree with the profession immediate steps that will bring sufficient confidence to allow time to develop much needed long-term reform.’
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said the announcement 'signals that the chief inspector recognises that it is now time for Ofsted to listen to the voice of educators and their unions. The pause should be the start of a root and branch reform of school inspection.
'Our present system is inconsistent, unfair and unsuccessful in promoting school improvement. Ofsted is a harmful presence in our schools and needs to be replaced with a collaborative system that truly reflects a rounded picture of the work of schools. Parents, students and teachers all deserve better.'
He added that the independent Beyond Ofsted report, commissioned by the NEU and led by an independent expert panel chaired by Sir Jim Knight, 'shows clearly that the current regime is not fit for purpose and Ofsted is out of touch with the profession.'
Commenting on Twitter David Wright said, 'Positive news. I hope that actions specific to the Early Years sector are included in the review.'
