The recent passing of Headteacher Ruth Perry, of Caversham Primary School, sadly is not the first, and it surely will not be the last if we look at how nurseries, schools, early years educators and childminders feel about the big O inspection. For all those who have dedicated their life to teaching and lost their life there should be an inquiry into the usefulness of a service that instils us with fear, anxiety and panic.
Let's discuss...!
Stress caused by Ofsted inspections was cited in coroners' reports on the deaths of 10 teachers over 25 years, research reveals. (However, how many more are there that haven't had the press coverage). Charity Hazards Campaign has conducted the research alongside the University of Leeds, which may add to 'the outpouring of anger' among teachers over the death of headteacher, Ruth Perry, who took her own life in January as a result of an 'Outstanding' to 'Inadequate' inspection grade. Guess what - still no inquiry or investigation into whether Ofsted are fit for purpose. Education unions last week demanded an immediate halt in inspections, the pressure of which has allegedly led to heart attacks, strokes and nervous breakdowns, The Observer reports, still no inquiry or investigation.
I know from experience that what happened to me during my inspection led me down a path of deteriorating mental health and unhealthy thoughts so why are we allowing this to happen to us. I took the decision to close my nurseries for my mental health and it was the first time in 15 years that I had taken a decision for me and my own self-care. One judgement, one day, one life. This has to stop. As stated by Ruth Perry - this was literally the 'worst day of my life'.
An option moving forward could be collaboration with local Early Years Teams who could come out to settings and share effective practice, training and communicate how they are improving and reflect upon areas of practice. Termly visits or bi-annual visits would allow for the building of relationships and the open channels of communication to reflect on areas of improvement. Rather than an inconsistent approach that isn't working!
What do you think? Is Ofsted fit for purpose? What are your experiences, good or bad, with Ofsted? Would you like to see change? What would that look like?
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