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The NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers), representing a substantial number of headteachers and school leaders, has released a report titled ‘Rethinking School Inspection.’ This publication coincides with the ongoing process of Ofsted finalizing its official response to the coroner's report on the Perry inquest, scheduled for publication on Friday.  Last month, the NAHT warned that there is a risk of future deaths if there is only a token emphasis on learning from such tragedies. The NAHT outlines its preferences for the forthcoming response, which include: 

1. Urgent action is required, including a review to learn from the Perry case, engagement with unions, training for all inspectors, and a phone number for leaders to raise concerns about inspections.
2. Interim inspection model without grades: After completing these initial actions, NAHT suggests that Ofsted should revert to a model of interim ungraded inspections for all schools (excluding those identified as schools of concern), like those conducted during the pandemic period.
3. Scrap grading system: NAHT recommends eliminating the grading system, which includes both the overall effectiveness rubric and the supporting grade judgements. Instead, inspectors should provide a more thorough analysis of a school’s strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Inspection reports, which are currently too simplistic and general, should be reorganized to include more detailed information about a school’s strengths and areas for development.
5. There is scepticism about the usefulness of report cards:The union stated that it is unclear what data will be included in the report card and how it will differ from the information already available to the public.
6. Additionally, the union demanded a complete review of the inspection methodology, including how inspectors determine the initial focus for an inspection and collect evidence.
7. The notice and reserve protection should be reviewed. A longer-term review should be conducted to assess the notice given to schools. NAHT suggests that a minimum of 48 hours should be provided.
8. Additionally, the union recommends that all inspections be led by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Inspectors (HMI), who are in-house inspectors, rather than incumbent leaders who also conduct inspections.
9. The union proposes the implementation of a new, tiered grievance process.

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