Ofsted: The Impact on Teachers

YouGov released a new set of data in which Ofsted’s impact on teachers has been revealed.

From a recent survey 90% of teachers have an unfavourable view of Ofsted – YouGov. They have backed this up by producing this graph:

A Head of Department at a school said that, “It was exhausting – I spent about 5 hours with the inspector on the first day, with time only for the toilet!”, and that there was, “quite a lot of pressure on us to make sure the inspector really understood all the intricacies of the department curriculum.” They ended by saying, “we have been under this pressure for the last 18 months and it has had a very negative impact on well-being in general. I can’t explain it, but the pressure Ofsted put on teachers/schools is very harsh and quite frankly, it’s a high stress time.”

Sky News reported that, “almost two-thirds (61%) of assistant and deputy heads surveyed said they did not aspire to become a headteacher – up from 53% in 2021.” This comes after a survey from the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT).

Trigger warning – the following section references to themes of self-harm and suicide which some individuals may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

Ofsted have also faced criticism after the suicide of Ruth Perry (53), the Headteacher of Caversham Primary School in Reading. Her family commented that she took her own life after receiving news that her school would receive the lowest possible rating.

Her sister, Julia Walters, said that Perry had been, “an absolute shadow of her former self”, whilst waiting for Ofsted to publish the report.

In a key part of the report inspectors had reported that a boy doing a flossing dance move, from the video game Fortnite, was evidence of the sexualisation of children at the school.

Her sister said, “Ruth took her own life on January 8. All during that process, every time I spoke to her, she would talk about the countdown. I remember her clearly one day saying ’52 days and counting’. Every day she had this weight on her shoulders hanging over her and she wasn’t officially allowed to talk to her family”.

Well what do you think? Have your say in the comments below about Ruth Perry, or the challenges Ofsted calls on teachers.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

By Ieuan Yr8

Carres Grammar School Newsroom