The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has warned that Ofsted inspections are pushing school leaders to the 'point of destruction', as the union considers industrial action over the watchdog's new 'Nando's-style' scoring system.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, told the union's annual conference in Belfast that Ofsted 'does not raise standards, nor does it serve children'. He criticised the inspection regime, which now uses a five-point scale across six areas instead of a single-word grade, following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry in 2023.
Whiteman said: 'Inspection should not be about pressurising dedicated professionals to the point of destruction. I am angry – yes, mad as hell – that Ofsted, the government and the judiciary see fit to allow lives to be left at unnecessary risk right now.' He put the education establishment 'on notice' over the risks of further harm.
The NAHT had considered strike action after a high court challenge to the new framework failed, but has since paused plans following talks with Ofsted and the Department for Education. These led to the creation of an independent advisory group to monitor the impact on headteachers' mental health.
Whiteman also praised government policies such as free school meals expansion and the removal of the two-child benefit cap, but called for 'proper funding' for special educational needs reforms. The DfE has pledged £4bn to overhaul Send provision.
