Responding to the results of a new survey Ofsted commissioned of parents on its proposals for change, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“Ofsted has rather missed the point with this survey. While some parents may find colour coding useful, it will matter very little if the grades and judgements are as unreliable as most professionals expect they will be.

"Extending the number of areas for judgement would only pile more pressure onto schools and make it almost impossible for inspectors to reach a reliable judgement in just two days.

"It would be interesting to know whether the questions included any context about the enormous harm the high-stakes inspection regime does to the wellbeing of dedicated school leaders and their staff, impacting their ability to deliver for pupils and desire to stay in the profession. Had parents being asked whether they supported such outcomes the answer would surely have overwhelmingly been ‘no’.

“Ofsted also appears to have offered parents a false choice but only asking they prefer the new proposals to the existing system. There are many other options that should be considered as part of a proper consultation. Once again, it appears Ofsted are more interested in convincing people it is right than actually listening.

“If Ofsted and the government are serious about creating a framework which truly meets the needs of parents and their children, these plans need a really significant rethink, working much more closely with the profession.”