What the new Ofsted framework means for wellbeing
The subject of Ofsted and wellbeing has long been an issue for teachers and leaders, but Ofsted’s new framework promises to reduce workload and mental health concerns around inspections. Learn more about these reforms and what leaders really think about them below.
What the new Ofsted framework says about wellbeing
First and foremost, Ofsted said that they heard the concerns raised through the consultation about additional workload that some feared the new framework would create, as well as the implications on the wellbeing of school staff. They “have taken this concern extremely seriously” and have taken steps to address it.
Ofsted believes that the changes they set out, such as reducing the number of evaluation areas, clarifying the distinction between grades and changing their approach to ‘exceptional’, will ease concerns about any workload and wellbeing implications.
They said that they designed their inspection methodology with a clear view to reducing workload for the education workforce. They claim to have tested and revised their approach based on test visits and provider feedback. Based on this feedback, Ofsted are taking the following actions:
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Toolkits standards should not add to a provider’s workload – Ofsted's new toolkits are built on the requirements, standards and expectations already placed on leaders and their provision. Ofsted does not expect this to result in additional workload.
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Increased inspection capacity for schools – Ofsted are adding an additional inspector to inspection teams for one day of all full inspections of state-funded schools. This should allow the lead inspector to focus on engaging with leaders and coordinating inspections, whilst also reduce pressure on leaders through the inspection process by providing a regular point of contact to alleviate anxiety.
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Inspections are to take place within clear and reasonable timeframes – Ofsted recognise that inspections can be long and that this places a burden on providers. New operating guides set out clear guidance for inspectors on the times at which they can arrive on site and when they should finish on each day of inspection, capping the number of hours spent on site.
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Ofsted commissioned an independent review of the impact of the proposed reforms on workload, mental health and wellbeing - Ofsted commissioned Sinéad McBrearty, Chief Executive Officer at Education Support (a mental health and well-being charity for the education workforce across the UK) to carry out an independent review of the impact of their inspection reforms on the workload and well-being of the education workforce.
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Removal of the deep-dive methodology as the main structure for schools to reduce workload
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Ofsted will invite providers to nominate an individual working within the setting to act as a nominee – The nominee will support planning, communication and ongoing engagement throughout the inspection, helping to streamline the workload. However, this is not a compulsory role.
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Ofsted have embedded mental health awareness into all training
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Inspectors will be allowed to pause inspections when they have wellbeing concerns
What school staff think of the reforms
A third of school leaders in a National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) poll said that Ofsted’s new approach would have a negative impact on wellbeing; a further 58% said it would be very negative.
This negative impact on wellbeing is a key theme from the NAHT poll results. It revealed that leaders believe the new reforms will have a detrimental effect on the mental health and wellbeing of their staff with many leaders specifically referencing stress, anxiety and burnout. Some even mentioned the possibility of leaving the profession or early retirement.
What’s more, leaders believe that the additional inspector role adds pressure rather than offering the support and guidance needed to alleviate concerns. This comes alongside leaders’ expectations that the shift in frameworks and grading will significantly increase workload for leaders with many anticipating the need to rewrite documentation. All of which before an incredibly short November deadline, which many consider to be unrealistic.
Likewise, in a snap poll by the National Education Union (NEU), 88% of members do not think that the new system will address the impact of Ofsted inspections on the mental health of school staff. One respondent said “Change was brought about because a headteacher died by suicide. This inspection framework has added to the workload and stress of Heads. It’s changes like these that leave me thinking I don’t want to be a head anymore!”
On top of the negative view of the impact of Ofsted’s reforms on wellbeing, the majority (94%) of respondents do not believe that Ofsted inspectors will actually be able to reliably assess the seven inspection areas in a single inspection. This can only add fuel to the fire around wellbeing and Ofsted’s apparent unwillingness to listen to school leaders and action real, meaningful change.
“There can be no doubt about it – Martyn Oliver has failed... As the head of Ofsted, he was meant to be in charge of bringing in a system that reduced pressure – the results of today’s snap poll show that he has spectacularly failed to do so.” - Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU.
At this stage, the vast majority of NEU members believe that there should be a pause before the November rollout and further consideration of the proposed new framework. This is widely echoed by others across the education sector and in the mental health sector, with some claiming that the system “continues to pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of teachers and school leaders”.
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