Unveiling the Emotional Aftermath of Ofsted Inspections
Below is an audio recording I made in January 2017 after a special measures inspection.
Silenced for three months!
To capture the unjust process, I wanted to publish this audio in January 2017, but nobody was allowed to discuss the report publicly with anyone for three months, and even if I were allowed, I was not in a good place to be able to do so.
It has taken me seven years to feel comfortable with sharing this recording, and I do so now to provide more evidence in light of Ruth Perry’s death. I believe I’d still be on the frontline today if it were not for Ofsted’s grading methodology.
In the aftermath, I believe I suffered significantly, and I know my headteacher and the team I had around me did so too. I also know that the events following Ruth Perry’s tragic death aroused painful memories for me and so many others, which Ofsted continues to refute …
Consumed by Ofsted glory!
It never ceases to amaze me how many professionals in the system are consumed by the illusion of Ofsted glory.
Some believe in the hype and hysteria; school leaders are quick to stick up ‘Outstanding banners‘ across the school gates, despite others who fall victim to the process, shot in the kneecap! Their entire career, perceived as a failure, with incoming leaders believing every word written on any Ofsted report as fair, accurate and trusted.
Only now is the complaints process being reviewed.
However, I do not blame school leaders for Ofsted’s problems, even though some believe a ‘good’ rating results from their leadership. The accountability system at large fuels the Ofsted’s survival, driving political debate, school admissions, funding, league tables and reputation, to name a few.
Every school cannot achieve the elusive top grade. It is designed and managed to be that way, and it will continue to contribute towards the poor mental health of teachers.
It’s also worth adding that there has never been legislation for Ofsted to inspect using grades. The initial legislation of 1992 required a format decided by HM Chief Inspector = today, we have four grades, which is a choice.
Despite the raw audio recordings, I hope it allows many others to hear some of my thoughts in the aftermath.
I know this is just my story, but with 10-15% of all schools judged as requiring improvement or inadequate, the equivalent of 50,000 other teachers and school leaders, I suspect there will be many more who have lived my last experience …
Background reading:
- Outcome Conversations Damage Schools (September 2017)
- OfSTED Made Me Leave The Country (September 2017)
- The Life Of A Deputy Headteacher (July 2017)
- You Couldn’t Make It Up. (July 2017)
- An alternative to Ofsted (March 2023)
