A head lecturers’ union is about to seek the advice of its members on potential industrial motion after its Excessive Courtroom bid to problem Ofsted’s new faculty grading system was dismissed.
The Excessive Courtroom ruling, delivered by Mr Justice Saini, discovered that Ofsted’s resolution to undertake the brand new framework was reached “after an in depth session carried out in a procedurally lawful method”.
This dismissal comes as Ofsted prepares to implement its new report card system on 10 November, having scrapped single-word judgments for colleges earlier this yr.
Barristers representing the union and Ms Middleton had argued that Ofsted’s prior session had “dominated out” using “narrative-only verdicts” for colleges.
In addition they contended that the brand new framework did not adequately contemplate the influence on workers wellbeing.
Responding to the judgment, NAHT common secretary Paul Whiteman expressed his disappointment. He confirmed the union would now proceed with consulting its members concerning industrial motion following the court docket’s resolution.
He mentioned: “The choice at present doesn’t detract from our legitimate and cheap concern concerning the injury to the psychological well being and wellbeing of faculty leaders and workers of the brand new report playing cards.
“That is an acute and fundamental well being and security situation recognised by an impartial report commissioned by Ofsted itself which has not been handled in any respect.
“Each Ofsted and the Authorities have failed to deal with the very actual threat posed by the brand new framework to highschool leaders.
“We’ll now contemplate an attraction and will likely be consulting our members on industrial motion.”
Ofsted scrapped single-word judgments for colleges after criticism of the inspection system following the demise of head trainer Ruth Perry.
It launched a session in February this yr and introduced the brand new report card scheme in September.
Below the scheme, colleges will likely be given certainly one of 5 grades – pressing enchancment, wants consideration, anticipated commonplace, robust commonplace and distinctive – in every of six areas, with reasoning offered for every grading.
A cross or fail grade will likely be given in relation to safeguarding, with inspections paused since September 1 to permit training suppliers time to arrange for the brand new framework.
A ballot by YouGov discovered nearly seven out of 10 dad and mom surveyed most well-liked the new-look report playing cards to Ofsted’s present inspection studies.
In court docket on Monday, Hugh Southey KC, for the NAHT and Ms Middleton, mentioned there was “on the very least an look of pre-determination” in Ofsted’s session and the watchdog had “rejected” the “key choice” of narrative-only verdicts.
The barrister continued that the Nationwide Training Union and the Affiliation of College and School Leaders each supported the authorized problem, stating: “All three of those unions consider that narrative-only verdicts are the proper method ahead and they’re the proper method of safeguarding wellbeing.”
Sir James Eadie KC, for Ofsted, mentioned in written submissions that it “vigorously opposed” the “weak” declare, telling the court docket that the brand new scheme was a “appreciable improve when it comes to wellbeing”.
He mentioned: “Ofsted thought-about, fastidiously: the wellbeing and workload implications of the 5‑level scale; the relative deserves of the narrative method and different grading schemes, together with on wellbeing grounds; and the reforms crucial to cut back workload and promote wellbeing extra typically.”
In a ruling, Mr Justice Saini mentioned: “It’s for Ofsted to resolve the way to conduct its inspections in the best way which, in its knowledgeable judgment, is only, whereas taking account of the danger to the wellbeing of educating workers and leaders.”
He continued: “The proof satisfies me that Ofsted’s conclusions, {that a} grading plus narrative method greatest balances the totally different pursuits at play, was reached after an in depth session carried out in a procedurally lawful method and after a cautious evaluation of the varied views expressed to it, together with consideration of wellbeing points.”
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s chief inspector, mentioned following the ruling that he was “happy” with the end result, stating the adjustments would assist to “elevate requirements of training for all”.
He mentioned: “I’ve each confidence that headteachers will recognise the adjustments are truthful, that inspection takes workers wellbeing totally under consideration, and that the entire expertise is collaborative and constructive.”
