NASUWT comments on Ofsted local authority inspections
Commenting on the publication of Ofsted’s framework for the inspection of local authority services, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“The starting point for the introduction of this framework appears to be based on an assumption that local authorities are underperforming.
“There is real risk of repeating the punitive and destructive inspection system we already have in schools which does little to support genuine improvement in our education system.
“The introduction of this inspection framework confirms what has been increasingly apparent over the last two years, that Ofsted is no longer an independent body operating in the public interest. It is now merely the Secretary of State's hit squad.
“It would be understandable if the conclusion was drawn that Ofsted is now being used by the Secretary of State to settle political scores against those who have had the temerity to challenge or criticise his policies.
“This framework is being introduced at a time when the majority of schools have no direct link with the local authority and yet Ofsted appears to be aiming to hold local authorities to account for the performance of schools at a time when many of their powers and responsibilities have been stripped from them.”
ENDS
Lena Davies
Press and Media Officer
Campaigns and Communications Team
NASUWT
0121 457 6250 / 07867 392 746
lena.davies@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
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