MPs reject Spielman as Ofsted Chief Inspector

MPs have rejected the appointment of Amanda Spielman as the new Ofsted Chief Inspector, citing ‘significant concerns’ about her suitability for the post.

After questioning Spielman, the Education Select Committee recognised her contributions to the education sector through her work with the ARK academy chain, but said it could not support her as Chief Inspector.

Committee chair Neil Carmichael said she did not persuade the Committee that she had a clear understanding of a number of aspects of the Chief Inspector's role, including early years, primary education, FE, and children's services.

He advised that Spielman’s responses on child protection were ‘particularly troubling’ and ‘did not inspire confidence’ that she fully understood the importance of Ofsted’s role in preventing children being held at risk through service failure.

The Committee also took the opportunity to express concerns about the wider lack of expertise on children's services amongst Ofsted's senior management, recommending that a permanent Deputy Chief Inspector be appointed to oversee the inspection of children's services.

Carmichael said: "Her Majesty's Chief Inspector (HMCI) has a critical role in raising standards in education, skills and children services and helping to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. The government's preferred candidate, Amanda Spielman, has a broad range of experience but failed to demonstrate to us the vision and passion we would expect from a prospective HMCI. The new HMCI will face the task of leading Ofsted to raise standards and improve the lives of children and young people, and we were unconvinced that Ms Spielman would do this effectively.

“It is unusual for a Select Committee to find itself unable to support the government's preferred candidate for a public appointment. However, it is our responsibility to hold Government to account and the seriousness of our concerns regarding this appointment has led us to produce this report to the House of Commons. There is no urgency in this process – Sir Michael's term as HMCI does not expire until the end of the year. With this in mind, we call on the Secretary of State not to proceed with Ms Spielman's appointment."