Changes to Ofsted

I don’t really care about Ofsted. There you go, I’ve said it. Actually I’ve said it a lot, and at least 36 times times in public, starting with once during each of the three speeches I have given on the twelve Open Evenings I have hosted as Headteacher of Marple Hall School.

I mean it too.

Ofsted is an important part of the educational landscape, it does an important job and I think that schools in general would be worse without it. My now very elderly dad was a teacher in the days before Ofsted and he used to tell me stories of the poor stuff that happened all the time. It sounds fun, but not good. Therefore I’m glad we have accountability as school leaders and I welcome it. But…I don’t worry about it. I don’t let it drive what I do, I try very hard to make sure I don’t compromise what we believe in just because of Ofsted, and I try even harder to make sure that any pressure of inspections doesn’t filter down to our colleagues. I consider that to be an important part of my job and one that means that we can all get on with what matters, which is providing a good quality education for the young people of this area.

I guess because of this I didn’t really mind the soon to be ‘old’ version of Ofsted that is due to change in the Autumn. But, change is coming and that’s fine too. There’s a consultation on the plans out now, and so this blog is just to advertise the fact that colleagues, parents and carers are also being asked to contribute. If you fancy having your say then the link is here.

Have a good weekend,

Joe Barker

ps TfGM are listening, the buses are better but not yet quite good enough. Thank you to everyone who has helped us to make the necessary points to those in charge.

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