I experienced Ofsted nearly three years ago at a school I had just joined… To say my experience was awful would be an understatement - I had very little to do with the last inspection as I wasn’t a leader in any capacity. I was an ECT and although I was observed, which wasn’t too bad to be fair - the whole experience left me shattered. I witnessed fantastic teachers and leaders reduced to shadows of their former selves…
Teaching at a school graded as RI gives you the aspiration and drive to make it better. However I could not shift the sense of dread at the thought of the ‘phone call’…
I didn’t for a minute believe Ofsted would be any better now, compared to my previous experience.
I certainly don’t believe in the grading of schools and feel they do more harm than good.
However, I want to give anyone in my position the confidence to know that from my experience Ofsted certainly isn’t what it was.
I will be forever reminded though that this culture shift occurred from an unspeakable tragedy. My biggest takeaway from the recent inspection… Remembering Ruth Perry.