Ex Head

I didn’t always want to be a teacher. It was a combination of a love of my subject and opportunity (and a lack of any other career ideas!) which led me to train to teach.

@greeborunner @Southgloshead @llewelyn20 …things bring hidden (deliberately?) may constitute gross misconduct - but that would require suspension, investigation and a hearing (with a right to reply) - not being summarily sacked on the spot.

@greeborunner @Southgloshead @llewelyn20 I have to disagree. There are processes to follow if serious SG gaps or things have been hidden. SG gaps suggest not only competence issues on the part of the head (which would need to be addressed appropriately) but wider issues in terms of monitoring and governance…

I think a lot of this will depend on your viewpoint. If you're not the Head, with whom the judgement sits, then it will be very easy to talk about it not being that bad, or like an 'MOT with recommendations'. For a lot of Heads it reads like failure.

@tes This seems to assume that there is a coordinated “sector” who can all work together to change the narrative. How can this change happen when heads are sacked (and forced to sign NDAs) on the back of Ofsted judgements? When does this change start?

'Grades like “needs attention” only become the villain of the story if we let them': this MAT leader argues that the sector needs to change how it views Ofsted grades under the new system tes.com/magazine/analy…

@greeborunner @Southgloshead They're not my words, but consider this: if a school gets 'need attention' in every area, how will that be perceived and received by the school (and wider) community? But again, how do we challenge this? How do we change this perception?

@greeborunner @Southgloshead @llewelyn20 Heads get sacked by governing bodes/MATs on the back of Ofsted inspection judgements. How can the “sector” stop that - the unions haven’t/can’t. Who is going to change that… and how?

@Southgloshead @llewelyn20 It very much does. It shouldn't be the case. Who makes it happen? Trusts? The LA? The feelings of the heads themselves. We need to challenge that.

@JohnBaldLangLit Too late for many though. And the teaching unions have been complicit in the use of NDAs for a considerable time!!

schoolsweek.co.uk/first-academy-… Amazing how major changes are done "quietly". This is a huge change, preventing cover up of the detail of cases, some of which would be hugely embarrassing to Trusts. Notably Barry Smith's departure from Gt Yarmouth, gagging clauses in Birmingham. And @Ofstednews no longer has a preferred approach to phonics - huge change from practice, if not from what was officially admitted.

@JohnBaldLangLit Too many people lost their jobs and hidden by NDAs!

I can see how it would get some Union members off the hook. But it hides the truth, and the truth must come out. I'm happy to collude with anyone wishing to breach one of these orders while maintaining anonymity.

@JohnBaldLangLit Too late for many though. And the teaching unions have been complicit in the use of NDAs for a considerable time!!

Ofsted outcomes and school reputation: For me there’s a balance to be struck between honest reporting and reputational damage to schools. The worst thing we can do to schools in disadvantaged areas put them in a position where we are making recruitment and retention harder…

I wrote this thread 4 years ago. Nothing seems to have changed. Ofsted reform? No sign of it.

It shows just how much Ofsted disregards the opinions and feelings of teaching profession.

Based on my recent Ofsted experience, we’re back to monumental (and successful) efforts to improve teaching and learning being negated by historic low outcomes. Honestly, I’m absolutely seething and totally demoralised about how badly the new framework has stitched us up.

@RogersHistory Stockholm Syndrome??

Just seen this post by a trust on social media: "We are proud to share that that Ofsted graded X as ‘Exceptional’ – the highest standard – in three areas and as ‘Strong standard’ – the second highest grade – in the remaining three areas" Banner picture was attached. :(((((( Here we go again :((((((

@ASCL_UK Any questions? Yes. I have wanted to know for some time why @ASCL_UK have chosen to be complicit in the sacking of headteachers on the back of inadequate Ofsted gradings? Hasn’t this added to the ‘high stakes’ nature of inspection? Shouldn’t you have challenged this long ago??

Protect your professional future with ASCL membership. We welcome members from all phases in #education and support those working in senior leadership roles, including SENCos, ALNCOs in Wales, and HR managers. ℹ️ascl.org.uk/join Any questions? ascl.org.uk/FAQs

@Rory_Gribbell @JaneEPerryman @PaulGarvey4 Isn’t it time to move into a new phase of this “debate”. It now should be @Ofstednews role to justify why there *should not* be an independent complaints process.

@JaneEPerryman @PaulGarvey4 Hi Jane - We have made a number of changes to how we handle complaints (announced in our response to the Big Listen). I've attached the relevant section of the response below, which can also be found here: Ofsted Big Listen - GOV.UK

Why is there still not an independent adjudicator for complaints to Ofsted? A new framework, but still no easy way to complain about inspections. Ofsted police Ofsted. As it always has done. Then they wonder why the profession does not trust them to inspect fairly. 🤷‍♂️

@PaulGarvey4 The Big Listen reported 'In early years, schools and FE and skills, respondents raised concerns about the way we handle complaints. They called for a more independent process'. This was ignored, clearly.

@dan_ofsted @Headteacherchat The “challenges” can certainly be “complex”. You need a special type of confidence to take on a position which could have such a potential impact on your career, your livelihood, your mental health. I’m not sure @dan_ofsted has ever been sacked after an @Ofstednews inspection?

It will be some of the most important work you have ever done. The challenges can be complex and don’t rush to change things before you fully understand the issues and how you can fix them. Some staff may be tired of changes. Give them time, communicate clearly and listen. But stay true to your aim, even if you amend your plans. This will be one of the greatest challenges of your professional career. But, goodness, what a worthwhile challenge that will make such a difference to children’s lives. Good luck!

Anonymous Post: I’m currently a Headteacher at a Good school and am considering applying for a role at an Inadequate school. For those who have made a similar move, what advice would you give? Any insights on challenges, successes, or key considerations would be greatly appreciated.

I am not inadequate. Imagine, if we used that word with our children? #ShineOn #BurnBrighter

Our @@PaulWhiteman6 is speaking with other education unions and Julia Waters, sister of Ruth Perry, at the #Lab24 fringe event on the future of #Ofsted inspection - including on the proposed new report card system