The actuality of what an individual or organisation does is the impact of its behaviour. This is particularly clear with quality assurance activities. By commissioning research to assess the impact of its inspections the Office for Standards in Education is announcing that it does not know what it is really doing.

Let us also hope that this consultation will lead, at the very least, to a full, inclusive review and an action plan relating to an organisation which, by its own admission, has lost its way.

Steve Trevethan 2 Clydesdale King’s Lane Snitterfield, Stratford-Upon-Avon