NASUWT comments on reforms to the Ofsted inspection framework

Responding to reports that Ofsted is to refocus inspections on what children are being taught rather than exam grades, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT – The Teachers Union said:

“The NASUWT has for some time been concerned that the current Ofsted framework is too narrowly focused on performance data and does not fully recognise and allow schools to demonstrate the full breadth of their contribution to the lives of their pupils.

“Teachers will no doubt welcome the comments from the Chief Inspector that she wants to shift the focus of inspection and treat teachers as experts, rather than data managers.

“Data collection, often for the purposes of inspection, is one of the biggest contributors to excessive teacher workload and if implemented effectively, the NASUWT would expect these reforms to help address the problem of excessive bureaucracy which is diverting teachers from focusing on teaching and learning.

“However, the changes, if they are to genuinely support schools to continue to improve and succeed, will need to be carefully developed in close consultation with the school workforce and those that represent them.”