Responding to comments about Ofsted inspections resuming in 2021, made by the Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson as he addressed the School and Academies Show this morning, Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It is clear that it would not just be inappropriate for inspectors to start visiting schools in January, but it would also be entirely impossible given the nature of the current Ofsted framework.

"School leaders and their staff are working tirelessly to remain open in these hugely challenging circumstances. Keeping schools safe and responding to positive cases has become a full-time job. The last thing that is needed at the moment is inspectors going from school to school distracting staff from that vital work, and we know parents do not want to see that either.

"What we need from the government is a clear message that routine Ofsted inspections will be suspended for the remainder of the academic year. Vague statements about a potential return next year are unhelpful and unnecessary.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk