Inspections put on hold as new education chief weighs options
The new Chief Inspector of Education has promised that ‘tangible’ action will be taken following concerns surrounding Ofsted since the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
Sir Martyn Oliver has started his five year term as
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills and he has released a statement which promises parents there will be improvements made to Ofsted following scrutiny since the death of Ruth Perry.
As part of his work, Ofsted inspections are going to be put on pause for a few weeks and he will be turning his attention towards the Big Listen which will involve hearing from parents and professionals about the strengths and weaknesses that the governing body possesses.
In a statement Sir Martyn Oliver has confirmed that the routine school inspections for the spring term will begin later in January in a bid ‘to accommodate mental health awareness training for inspectors in the first week of term.’
Sir Martyn, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to join Ofsted as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of education, children’s services and skills. And I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Amanda Spielman, for her tireless work in this role over the past seven years.
“My full job title highlights the breadth of our work. We help raise standards for children and learners at every stage of their lives. But the public probably know us best for inspecting schools. Over the last year, since the tragic death of Ruth Perry, our inspections have come under great scrutiny. I’m determined that we learn from this to improve the way we work , taking tangible actions to address the concerns raised.
"A lot has been done already, but a lot more can be done now – starting with a robust programme of mental health awareness training for all our inspectors.
"That begins next week and will become an integral part of how we train and develop our people.
"The materials we use and the changes we have already made, along with much more to come, will be made available for all to see. We are determined to bring about a fresh start in the new year to inspire greater confidence in our work among parents and the sectors we inspect and regulate.”