Sir Martyn Oliver has said some trust leaders are “putting pressure on inspectors and making the inspection process more adversarial”.
Ofsted’s chief inspector said he will “never tolerate” any of his inspectors being rude or acting unprofessionally, but stressed that that respect is a two-way street.
Speaking at the Confederation of School Trusts conference in Birmingham today, he said he expects his staff to act with with professionalism, empathy, courtesy, and respect at all times – a repeated mantra since he took the helm at the inspectorate in January.
But inspectors should be able to expect the same from school leaders, he told the hall full of trust leaders.
“I know in the most part they absolutely can and do,” Oliver added.
“But, sadly, I am hearing about occasions where trust leaders are putting pressure on inspectors and making the inspection process more adversarial.
“I will never tolerate any of my inspectors being rude or acting unprofessionally.
“I have been very clear with all of my staff about that.
“But to help make inspections as constructive an experience as possible, I need everyone involved in the process to behave with the same courtesy.
“And I thank you in advance for your help with this.
“Inspections won’t work as we all want them to, if they run hot. I really want to take the temperature down.
“So, let’s call this a fresh start if we need to.”
‘More difficult for inspectors’
Quizzed by journalists after his speech, Oliver said that during a “very heightened period” for Ofsted “it’s become more difficult for some inspectors”.
He said the current system is “putting a lot of pressure on on leaders and teachers”, and that he’s “trying to find a way from our actions, our work, and then also through the work that we do with leaders, to try to just take the temperature down”.
“And I hope that the new framework will be a big part of trying to turn it from an adversarial position into a far more collegiate position,” he added.
He said: “I need to create a framework which helps to take that temperature down.
“But then when we’re working with leaders, we need to find a way to reduce that accountability pressure, because that’s where it’s coming from.
“But we also need to see that people will lean into the importance of inspection, because it tells parents independently the quality of education in the child’s school.”
He wouldn’t give any examples, but suggested there has been instances where inspectors have been put under “undue pressure”.
‘Crucial issue’ to HMIs
Leora Cruddas, CST chief executive, said trust leaders and inspectors should always follow the principles of public life, and “approach inspections in a spirit of partnership”.
She said it’s important that “trusts feel able to raise any concerns about an inspection in that spirit”.
Matt Newman, national officer at the FDA union, which represents inspectors, said parents depend on Ofsted delivering high quality inspections.
He said Oliver is “absolutely right to flag this crucial issue for our members”.
“Any undue pressure towards HMI from education leaders not only places unacceptable stress on our members but ultimately only serves to frustrate the overall objective of ensuring high standards in education,” he added.
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