School leaders’ union NAHT has called for an immediate end to reductive single word judgments in its response to Ofsted’s Big Listen consultation. The union is demanding far-reaching and fundamental reform, as the dangerous inspection regime remains a risk to life for teachers and leaders. 

The Big Listen was triggered after the tragic death of primary school headteacher, Ruth Perry. NAHT is clear that in its current format, the inspection regime continues to threaten the physical and mental health of teachers and school leaders. While this immediate threat to professionals continues, NAHT has issued an urgent call for an immediate pause to graded inspections, and a permanent end to single-word judgments. The union highlights that England is increasingly becoming an outlier in using simplistic labels to describe schools.  

NAHT is troubled by premature statements made by the Department for Education – defending the continued use of inherently unreliable single-word judgments, undermining the independence of the inspectorate’s consultation. Last year, almost half, (49%) of school leaders told NAHT in a survey (1) they needed mental health, or well-being support - and cited Ofsted as the factor that had the greatest impact on their mental health. The way Ofsted is currently operating is aggravating the recruitment and retention crisis in teaching. 

NAHT argues that fundamental reform of school inspection in England is required, contending that in the long term, there must be a sea-change in Ofsted’s ethos, with a new framework and inspection methodology, which takes a constructive, supportive, and developmental approach to achieve the best outcomes for schools.  

NAHT also reiterates long-standing calls for a longer window of warning for inspections - of at least 48 hours, and for all inspectors to have experience of the school phase they are inspecting, be it primary, secondary or special. It is not appropriate for an inspector with experience in the later years of secondary education to inspect, for example, an infant school.  

The union has also expressed ongoing concerns about Ofsted’s complaints process and has said more must be done to ensure the inspectorate is accountable, and leaders and teachers can challenge poor inspection practice. 

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: 

“Ofsted still has a long way to go to restore credibility within the education profession. Leaders and teachers have been traumatised by the inspection regime, and its continued use of reductive single word judgments. Many are worried that the Department for Education has seemingly sought to undermine the consultation by stubbornly reiterating its support for single-phrase judgements whilst the process is still ongoing. This sort of overtly political interference is deeply unhelpful.  

“I urge Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver to listen carefully to what the profession is telling him, particularly when it comes to the use of harmful single-phrase judgements. When the Big Listen reports back, Ofsted must be bold and embrace the deep, far-reaching reform the inspectorate desperately needs.”  

Notes to editor 

1. NAHT surveyed 1,890 leaders in England between 21 September and 12 October 2023. The survey included head teachers, assistant and deputy heads, principals, heads of schools, school business leaders, executive leaders and middle leaders.