Around nine in 10 headteachers have said they would support the union exploring industrial action if Ofsted pushes ahead with its plans for school inspections.

A snap poll carried out during an online meeting of NAHT members found that 89 per cent of those present supported the union exploring industrial action options.

The union said its members also expressed concerns that Ofsted and the government appeared to have lost sight of the original rationale for the reforms - the tragic death of Berkshire headteacher Ruth Perry following an inspection more than two and a half years ago.

Almost 2,000 people attended the online meeting this week, which was organised to discuss Ofsted’s new inspection plans.

‘Clear risks to wellbeing’

Paul Whiteman, the NAHT’s general secretary, said: “This was the biggest turnout we have had at a meeting of our members since the pandemic, and the strength of feeling was palpable.

“We heard loud and clear that these plans simply do not have the support of the profession and should not go ahead in their current state.

“Rolling them out would pose clear risks to the health and wellbeing of school leaders and teachers.”

He said the union would now liaise with its national executive committee to consider next steps: “We are appealing once again to Ofsted and government to put the brakes on these hugely flawed plans.”

Ofsted launched plans for a new inspection framework last week, which set out how it will inspect schools using a new five-point scale across six evaluation areas.

Inspections are set to start in November. Ofsted is now looking for volunteer schools to take part in the first wave of inspections.

There have been concerns that the schools sector has only been given two months between the finalised plans being published and inspections starting.

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