School leaders consider industrial action over ‘flawed’ Ofsted reforms

A number of school leaders under union NAHT have expressed strong opposition to Ofsted’s planned new inspection framework, with an overwhelming majority backing potential industrial action if the reforms go ahead as planned.

At an emergency online meeting convened by union saw almost 2,000 headteachers and senior leaders gathered to discuss the changes, which are due to be implemented in November.

A snap poll taken during the meeting revealed that 89% of members support the union exploring options for industrial action in response to the new system. The union said the strength of feeling among members was unprecedented outside of the pandemic.

The planned framework has sparked widespread criticism for continuing to use what leaders describe as “crude grading”, which they say perpetuates a high-stakes inspection regime and risks damaging the mental health and wellbeing of staff across the profession.

NAHT members also raised concerns that the reforms fail to reflect the lessons learned from the death of Berkshire headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life following a damning Ofsted inspection in 2023, a tragedy that sparked national outcry for reform.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, said: “This was the biggest turnout we have had at a meeting of our members since the pandemic, and the strength of feeling was palpable.

“We heard loud and clear that these plans simply do not have the support of the profession and should not go ahead in their current state.

“Rolling them out would pose clear risks to the health and wellbeing of school leaders and teachers

“The worrying findings of Ofsted’s own independent wellbeing assessment should have been a red flag, but instead it has rushed ahead regardless, tinkering around the edges while failing to properly work through the recommendations of this assessment.

“We will now liaise with our national executive committee to consider next steps - but we are appealing once again to Ofsted and government to put the brakes on these hugely flawed plans.”