“I’m conscious as I take on this important role that for many, Ofsted has become a toxic brand; a force that is destructive rather than constructive; a factor that is driving our brightest talent away from teaching rather than towards it. And I recognise with sadness that there is truth in those characterisations. At our worst, we have been better at breaking things down than building them up. We have been too aggressive in our pronouncements and certainly far too defensive when challenged.
"I will uphold the highest standards for our schools. But I know that I will only be able to do that in partnership with the fabulous community of professionals who lead and work in them. They are the ones who do the difficult job – not me. They are the ones who are trusted, loved and admired in their villages, towns and cities. Only by respecting and championing the professionalism of teachers and school leaders will Ofsted under my leadership begin to regain the respect it has squandered.”
I share your appreciation for the work done under Amanda Spielman's leadership.
But tactically, I think it would be a mistake for Sir Martyn to align himself too closely to that (and heap too much praise) - it might be no bad thing to signal a break from the past and an opportunity to reset the brand. I think the way Sir Mark Rowley has handled this at the Met has been quite good.
I think it's critical to be seen to 'open up' the way Ofsted works, and pull back the curtain to build public trust. If they could pull it off, a TV documentary going "behind the scenes" at Ofsted would be a smart move I think.
Good point - I like the comparison to Mark Rowley (and you could also cite Tim Davie at the BBC) - a deliberate drawing of contrasts in some instances.
Or perhaps he could go deeper. Provocatively ...:
“I’m conscious as I take on this important role that for many, Ofsted has become a toxic brand; a force that is destructive rather than constructive; a factor that is driving our brightest talent away from teaching rather than towards it. And I recognise with sadness that there is truth in those characterisations. At our worst, we have been better at breaking things down than building them up. We have been too aggressive in our pronouncements and certainly far too defensive when challenged.
"I will uphold the highest standards for our schools. But I know that I will only be able to do that in partnership with the fabulous community of professionals who lead and work in them. They are the ones who do the difficult job – not me. They are the ones who are trusted, loved and admired in their villages, towns and cities. Only by respecting and championing the professionalism of teachers and school leaders will Ofsted under my leadership begin to regain the respect it has squandered.”
I share your appreciation for the work done under Amanda Spielman's leadership.
But tactically, I think it would be a mistake for Sir Martyn to align himself too closely to that (and heap too much praise) - it might be no bad thing to signal a break from the past and an opportunity to reset the brand. I think the way Sir Mark Rowley has handled this at the Met has been quite good.
I think it's critical to be seen to 'open up' the way Ofsted works, and pull back the curtain to build public trust. If they could pull it off, a TV documentary going "behind the scenes" at Ofsted would be a smart move I think.
Good point - I like the comparison to Mark Rowley (and you could also cite Tim Davie at the BBC) - a deliberate drawing of contrasts in some instances.