A hundred Salford heads accuse Ofsted of running regime of 'fear and humiliation' after death of teacher
A hundred headteachers in Salford have called for Ofsted inpections to be halted after a teacher took her own life. In a letter they say of their profession that "an ethic of proud and humble public service is being eroded by a regime of fear and humiliation" conducted by the watchdog.
Now in a strongly worded letter to Ofsted the Salford Secondary Heads and Principals Association has demanded action. The letter was written and sent on behalf of SSHPA by Ben Davis, headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton. "However, in its current form it is fraught with variability; hinders sustainable school improvement; discourages people from working in schools ; creates unintended and distorting incentives; and is a real threat to the wellbeing and mental health of school leaders and staff more widely. An ethic of proud and humble public service is being eroded by a regime of fear and humiliation.
"Now is the time, as schools are dealing still with the impact of CovieNow is the time, as schools are dealing still with the impact of Covid, for a period of reflection. There is a valuable chance to listen to the voices of young people, parents, carers and school staff who are calling for a better way of working. The response of schools to the pandemic has reinforced the unique role they play in communities and the appreciation with which they are viewed by society.
"Now is a time for change. Ofsted have not been taking into account the impact of the pandemic in terms of the affect on the mental health of pupils and staff and the resulting poverty from the pandemic and what has been going on recently with the economy. Schools are on the front line when dealing with these issues, yet with dwindling resources."
"Ahead of the coroner’s inquest, it would not be right to say too much. But I will say that the news of Ruth’s death was met with great sadness at Ofsted. We know that inspections can be challenging and we always aim to carry them out with sensitivity as well as professionalism. Our school inspectors are all former or serving school leaders. They understand the vital work headteachers do, and the pressures they are under. For so many colleagues, this was profoundly upsetting news to hear.
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