OFSTED - Fails.

(They Do A Good Job Using Irony!)

From: Bridget Duncan, Pontefract.

I HAVE worked as a teacher in the classroom, in middle and senior management and in teacher education for a long time, and have, during my career been subject to a number of Ofsted inspections (or its predecessors).
Each time the impending and actual event caused totally unacceptable levels of stress among colleagues, and frequently a feeling of let down and lack of professional confidence afterwards. For me, there was also a clear sense of anger and injustice.
If these people with their clipboards, buzz words, “agendas”, targets, smart suits, posh cars, and comfortable hotel stays are so good at, and know such a lot about, teaching and running schools, why are they not rolling up their sleeves and tackling the job at the chalk face of some of our challenging, usually inner city schools?
The reason is, I believe, that in many cases (though doubtless with some notable exceptions), they would not “survive” in the classroom.
Indeed, many must see the job of inspector as well paid and comfortable escape route from the rigours of life in schools today.
SPOT ON, Bridget!
If the job were to be done properly, inspectors would arrive unannounced into a school and have the right to do a snap check. They would ask to see school records for an hour and would look at exam results in context of the school.
If - and ONLY if - any serious concerns are uncovered should the next move be to a full inspection.
I have known staff who: have given themselves breakdowns - not because they are poor teachers but because they do not 'fit neatly into the tick boxes'; others who are left embittered, humiliated, undervalued. I have known staff who have 'pulled a sickie' when OFSTED came-a-callin' and the rank unfairness scares me.
I recall doing three truly exceptional lessons for an OFSTED inspection in a state school some 20 years ago. They were rated as 'good'. I was stunned. My teaching record will stand up to any honest scrutiny.
It got worse!
A junior colleague who was distinctly average was rated 'excellent' because of having recently received full training in 'how to please OFSTED.'
ABSURD!