Unions welcome moves by new chief as ‘positive signal’
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:
"This announcement shows that the new chief inspector has a greater understanding of the problem. Allowing time for training is a positive signal.
"Next, Sir Martyn needs to agree with the profession immediate steps that will bring sufficient confidence to allow time to develop muchneeded long-term reform. I look forward to discussing this with HMCI (His Majesty's Chief Inspector) this week."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "We welcome this decision and Sir Martyn's commitment to listening to the profession's concerns about the current inspection system."
He added: "Today's announcement should pave the way for Ofsted to fully address each area of concern raised by the coroner, but it must also set Ofsted on a path of wider reform in the long term – including the removal of single phrase judgments."
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said:
"Sir Martyn Oliver's announcement of a pause in school inspections signals that the chief inspector recognises that it is now time for Ofsted to listen to the voice of educators and their unions.
"The pause should be the start of a root and branch reform of school inspection.
"Our present system is inconsistent, unfair and unsuccessful in promoting school improvement.
"Ofsted is a harmful presence in our schools and needs to be replaced with a collaborative system that truly reflects a rounded picture of the work of schools.
"Parents, students and teachers all deserve better."