Ofsted needs to have a more 'humane' model of inspection

FRANK COFFIELD on what he would do with Ofsted - the “sergeant major of the education system”

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OFSTED has too much power. It always has had, and that's no accident.

It was deliberately set up to ensure that the National Curriculum was enacted in the ways the government wanted. It has consistently badgered ministers to increase its powers, while abusing those it already has. For instance, Ofsted has delayed introducing its new inspection framework until September, but will begin examining on that framework in November, giving professionals only a few weeks to understand what will be asked of them rather than the full term Ofsted promised.

For over 30 years, Ofsted reports have been responsible for the closure of schools, the destruction of careers, and competent professionals have been forced into early retirement and others have been driven out of jobs they loved.

The current relevance of these comments is that the present government will soon be announcing what changes it will make to the National Curriculum and it will expect Ofsted to act again as the sergeant major of the system, putting the stick about to enforce compliance with its plans. Before that happens Ofsted's powers need to be severely pruned and the time to act is shortening.