Ofsted's chief inspector accused of forgetting the early years sector when promising change
Katy Morton
Friday, April 21, 2023
The sector has accused Ofsted’s chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, of forgetting about the early years within her statement promising change.
Today (21 April) Spielman published a statement outlining changes Ofsted is planning to make to the inspection process following growing debate around the purpose and effectiveness of the inspectorate after headteacher, Ruth Perry, took her own life when her school was downgraded towards the end of last year.
The statement mentions changes to the complaints process, a focus on safeguarding and reiterates that someone else can sit in on a judgement decision with a headteacher/teacher during inspection. All of which Ofsted separately confirmed to Nursery World will apply to early years settings. However this was not communicated within the statement.
Responding on Twitter, author and teacher Sue Cowley said, ‘Complete lack of mention of early years settings. Entire focus on schools. Literally talks us out of existence. No self-reflection.’
Early years consultant and school improvement advisor Ruth Swailes also accused Spielman of ‘forgetting the early years sector, saying the statement is ‘a start, but nowhere near enough'.
Winner of Nursery World’s Lifetime Achievement 2022 award and Ambassador for Paint Pots Southampton, David Wright commented, ‘I completely agree “It’s in children’s interests that we work constructively together”. The problem is the issue of trust has not been addressed. Togetherness requires more than this.’
Principal and teacher, Simon Smith, tweeted, ‘Having read the Ofsted suggestions for changes it seems to be a lot of words signifying nothing. Empty rhetoric hoping to appease the anger and say “we’re listening”, while carrying on regardless. Playing with deckchairs on the Titanic.’
The National Education Union (NEU) said, ‘Today’s statement is a necessary recognition of the urgent need for a better approach to school inspection.’
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, commented, ‘The reality is that Ofsted has completely lost the trust of leaders and teachers, and it will take a great deal more than this to gain their confidence.’
