Proposals for teachers and heads to become temporary inspectors (TES, February 19) are to be welcomed. However, the reverse would be even better.
PAT recently published a members’ survey which found many inspectors lacked experience in the sector they were inspecting. Looking up the Microscope concludes they should undertake regular periods of teaching to give them the relevant experience.
Inspectors could work between inspections as supply teachers, or by filling temporary vacancies, covering for sabbaticals, exchanging places with teachers who want to be trained as inspectors, or operating a twinning arrangement with teachers.
Kay Driver, General Secretary, Professional Association of Teachers, 2 St James Court, Friar Gate, Derby
