Denial and disregard: Ofsted's post-pandemic fall

Abstract

The inspectorate's complex relationship with schools has been fraught with various difficulties over recent years, as shown through the ongoing formal and informal dialogue between the two. Prior to the Covid pandemic, there was a call from some quarters for a pause in inspection and a re-evaluation of Ofsted's core purpose. Following suspension of inspections during the pandemic, Ofsted's approach to recommencing routine inspections led to a marked deterioration in its relationship with schools. This piece uses evidence from extensive discussions with school leaders and staff, together with articles from the press and government publications over a four-year period, to show how Ofsted's decision to ignore the impact of Covid in pursuit of normality has led to the current crisis.