Teaching unions criticise Ofsted proposals

Teaching unions, including NAHT, NASUWT and NEU, have joined a “coalition of voices” urging education secretary Bridget Phillipson to delay rollout of Ofsted’s new inspection system, warning it may worsen stress and undermine reliability.

The government previously announced the removal of one- or two-word school grades, replacing them with detailed “report cards.” While welcomed in principle, union leaders argue that the new system ignores systemic flaws contributing to staff ill-health.

They say the proposals fail to implement recommendations from the Coroner following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide in 2023 after her school was downgraded by Ofsted.

The NAHT has initiated legal proceedings via judicial review, citing potential harm to the mental health and wellbeing of head teachers and school staff.