Survey continues to show negative views of Ofsted

A survey by National Education Union members has found that an Ofsted inspection – or the prospect of an Ofsted inspection - adds to the working hours of 78 per cent of teachers.

It also shows an inspection negatively affects the mental health of more than half (57 per cent), rising to almost two thirds among teachers in primary schools (64 per cent).

Eighty-one per cent of teachers responding to the survey said that inspections fail to take full account of pupil need. This cuts across all roles, all phases, and all schools in areas of deprivation. It is most strongly felt by school leaders (89 per cent).

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) do not believe that Ofsted is contributing to improvement in the education system, and only four per cent of teachers believe Ofsted is a ‘reliable and trusted arbiter of standards.’

More broadly, there is widespread doubt that school accountability will be improved in the next five years. A majority (54 per cent) are either pessimistic or ‘very’ pessimistic about the prospect.

As a result, the National Education Union is calling on Ofsted and the government to pause the introduction of a new inspection system to give time to adequately consult education professionals and ensure a new system that is supportive, effective and fair.