The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has announced that it is pursuing legal action against Ofsted regarding forthcoming changes to school inspections in England. The union is challenging the introduction of new school report cards, set to replace the current system of one or two-word judgments in the autumn. Paul Whiteman, the NAHT's general secretary, criticized the new report cards, describing them as another burdensome grading system for school leaders, which he believes should be abandoned.
Ofsted, on the other hand, has defended the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of supporting mental health as part of the new system. The organization has dismissed the union's legal claims as "plainly untenable."
The NAHT filed a claim with the High Court for a judicial review on Saturday, coinciding with the union's national conference in Harrogate. This action follows a call from the sister of Ruth Perry, a head teacher who tragically took her own life after an Ofsted inspection, to delay the implementation of the new system. A letter, signed by Professor Julia Waters and over 30 others, including the general secretaries of four teaching unions, warned that the changes could negatively impact the wellbeing of education staff and, subsequently, students' experiences in schools.
Paul Whiteman addressed NAHT members, expressing dissatisfaction with the current proposals. He noted that after Ruth Perry's death, promises of change were made, but the new system appears to be merely a continuation of the same problematic approach. Whiteman argued that while school leaders accept the need for accountability, Ofsted's proposed model is not the only viable method for evaluating schools. He urged Ofsted's chief, Sir Martyn Oliver, to reconsider and withdraw the proposals.
During the NAHT conference, representatives were set to debate the proposed changes on Saturday, the event's second day. The newly proposed Ofsted report cards aim to assess several key areas within schools, such as the quality of education, behavior and attendance, personal development, and leadership and management. Each area will receive one of five possible grades. Additionally, a separate section of the report card will address whether schools have fulfilled their safeguarding duties.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has expressed support for the new system, stating that it will offer "rich, granular insight" to help provide "tailored" assistance to struggling schools. Ofsted's consultation on the changes concluded this week.
An Ofsted spokesperson reiterated the importance of considering mental health in developing the proposals and indicated that initial feedback from inspection tests has been positive. The spokesperson also confirmed that Ofsted's legal team has responded strongly to the NAHT's claims, insisting that they are unfounded. Should legal action proceed, Ofsted plans to challenge it and seek to recover costs.