Why is it so bad to have Ofsted come in and inspect your department? The teaching press is full of letters and articles about teachers and heads who have had their careers ruined by inspectors who come in determined to catch them out and rubbish their achievements.

It was bad enough to have a whole-school inspection last year. Two days of focus upon me and my faculty will be even worse! Nevertheless, I came through smiling and had the best continuing professional development experience of my career, courtesy of a gem of an inspector, who was thoroughly courteous and professional, eager to understand our achievements and to listen to us, and committed to helping us improve our provision to students.

Gordon Rea, Director of modern foreign, languages and specialism, Chosen Hill School, Gloucestershire.