Zoe Williams writes about Ofsted

[quazi]

I just think that Zoe Williams has it completely right here - so refreshing for a non-teacher to be able to see what the problem with Ofsted is - and to put it so well!

www.atl.org.uk/publications-and-resources/report/2013/2013-march-final-word-zoe-williams.asp

I agree - all this testing and inspection leading to forced academies, etc. is causing so much damage and anxiety.

Excellent piece. I agree 100%.

It just hits the nail on the head really - thought about posting it in AIBU but thought that may BU!!! Just thought it was the kind of thing people should read and consider before they go by the Gospel according the Ofsted.

I was surprised when I read about Ofsted subcontracting to other companies to employ inspectors when those same companies are also involved in setting up new state schools - CfBT for example. How do we know they will not be biased?

The only caveat I'd have is that I'm not sure anyone in power ever actually offered 'parental choice', but 'parental preference' that might be taken into account.

Obviously there is a difference!

I have no problem at all with schools being measured against a sensible set of criteria (but they need to be quite 'complex criteria'. Like Gove has just realised with his simplistic Eng Bacc!) BUT the publishing of League Tables in the national press should actually be not allowed. They are such a blunt weapon, and mislead so many people.

On MN you see 'I want my DC to go to a good school'- and so many posters means 'a school that achieves excellent academic results' rather than a school that is geared towards to needs of that particular child. Which OFSTED results increasingly don't help you find out!

Great article.

Spot on, great article