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Ofsted’s new chief pledges to work closely with unions
EB News: 08/01/2024 - 10:20
In his first week in the job, Ofsted’s new Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver has had meetings with headteacher unions and representatives, as well as with Professor Julia Waters, the sister of Ruth Perry.
Sir Martyn has met with Geoff Barton (General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders), Paul Whiteman (General Secretary of National Association of Head Teachers), and Leora Cruddas (CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts) to discuss his intention to work constructively with the leadership unions during his tenure as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI).
Sir Martyn has invited Geoff, Paul and Leora to work with Ofsted over the coming weeks, providing constructive challenge as Ofsted responds to the coroner’s recommendations. This engagement will continue following the publication of the response to the coroner.
Sir Martyn has also announced that Ofsted will respond in full to the coroner’s recommendations on 19 January, setting out clearly how Ofsted will conduct inspections with professionalism, courtesy, respect and empathy.
Ofsted’s response to the coroner will detail work done prior to the inquest, work done immediately following the coroner’s findings and where Ofsted will focus in the longer-term. In particular, the group will reconvene for intensive work on ensuring headteachers feel confident, as inspections resume, to raise any serious concerns.
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "These are early days, but based on today’s face-to-face meetings, I am encouraged that the Chief Inspector has made time within his first few days in office to hold a meeting with me, Paul Whiteman (NAHT) and Leora Cruddas (CST). I am also pleased that the chair of Ofsted, Dame Christine Ryan, was also present.
"The meeting gave us an opportunity to reflect on the concerns raised in the coroner’s report following the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry, discuss how relations between Ofsted and the profession can be reset, give reassurance to leaders that the resumption of inspection will not simply be ‘business as usual’, and start to consider the need for the longer-term reforms.
"We look forward to continuing to work together constructively in pursuit of an inspection system that is fairer, less punitive and has the trust of school and college leaders."
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said: "I am pleased that this meeting was more than a courtesy. I felt that for the first time in far too long Ofsted took seriously the concerns of NAHT members.
"It’s early days but both HMCI, Sir Martyn Oliver, and Ofsted Chair, Dame Christine Ryan, demonstrated a deep understanding of our members’ concerns and a determination to work with us to identify solutions.
"These are early days and NAHT members will judge progress on actions and not words. To that end we have started today to agree immediate actions to bring confidence and space to discuss longer term reform."
Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts, said: "We are pleased that Ofsted has engaged constructively with us, so early in Sir Martyn’s tenure.
"The conversations have been very positive and signal a change in practice, tone and culture."
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