I was contacted by a longstanding friend and former HMI colleague this weekend. They were wondering whether my recent pointed criticism of Ofsted was wearing a tad thin and was being counterproductive. I was pleased he felt able to speak directly to me about something that was troubling him. In response, I defended my actions, but it did make me reflect on my criticisms and made me work back to when my opinions of my former employer deteriorated.

Before I explain the timeline, I feel it is important for balance to make the points that Ofsted has always had a rather troubled history. For those of us who worked at a senior level we know this better than most. Having said that I always felt that it was speaking up for children and young people who were not receiving the quality education they deserved. Many current inspectors do an amazing job and are still hugely committed to the highest standards both in their expectations of themselves and those they inspect. Sadly, not all is well.

When I left Ofsted in September 2012, I chose not to inspect again. Having inspected regularly since 1995 I felt weary and a little dispirited by the entire process. I didn’t leave the inspectorate under a cloud, and I certainly wasn’t kicked out. I did feel, however, that I could not add much more to the process of inspection Framework development, so it was time to move on. I eventually took on the role of CEO of a major academy trust and there I saw the positive and negative effects of Ofsted inspections on colleagues working for our trust. I detected a noticeable change in the quality of the inspection process in 2019 when one of the academies was judged as Requires Improvement. There were a number of Good elements, including those for leadership and management but what worried me most was the negative action of the senior HMI during a short visit to the school during the inspection.

It was clear that inspectors were convinced the school was Good and they were clearly emphasising the strengths before the quality assurance visit. Despite not visiting a single classroom or holding a single meeting with any member of the staff, the quality assurer was making clear they would not sanction a Good judgement. I appreciate the need for quality assurance, primarily because all Ofsted inspectors undertake their work on behalf of the Chief Inspector and this enable them to be confident the judgements are secure. But, the inspectors I spoke to were convinced there was a hidden agenda and that the HMI was acting beyond the quality assurance role. It reminded me of the very experienced HMI I met in 1995 who told me in no uncertain terms that if the Chief Inspector needed to intervene heavily during an inspection, then the inspectors shouldn’t be inspecting.

Having undertaken many complaints for Ofsted as a senior inspector I felt there was little value in formally complaining so we lifted our heads and moved on. Six months later the same thing happened but this time the quality assurance occurred after the school had received their preliminary judgements of Good. I stood down from my role shortly after this inspection but these experiences and the many similar ones that were shared with me at the time and since made me consider four crucial things. Is it the Framework that is causing me to feel uneasy about Ofsted or is it the quality of some inspectors or is it the quality assurance process or is it the realisation that to complain to Ofsted is a pointless task? As I consider these aspects, I sadly have to admit it is probably all four!

This explains why I remain deeply concerned about many aspects of Ofsted’s work. I acknowledge there are some amazing inspectors, but they are let down by the way they are expected to inspect and the way their work is sometimes overridden by senior managers with much less inspection knowledge, skill and empathy. This short piece has strengthened my resolve to continue highlighting when Ofsted falls short of the standards it expects of others. Until it improves significantly, I will continue to hold a watching brief and a willingness to speak up when it is necessary.