Education Secretary Gillian Keegan’s comments on potentially ‘punching’ rude Ofsted inspectors add fuel to the ongoing debate over inspection practices, following the tragic suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has sparked controversy with her comments at a schools conference in Liverpool, suggesting she would have “punched” Ofsted inspectors if she had encountered them behaving rudely during inspections. This comes amidst criticism of Ofsted following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, after her school was downgraded. Keegan’s remarks underscored the tension surrounding Ofsted’s inspection practices, pointing to a need for a cultural shift towards more respectful interactions.
In light of Ruth Perry’s death and the ensuing outcry against Ofsted, the watchdog has apologised and begun a review of its practices. Coroner Heidi Connor has highlighted the risk of further tragedies without significant action, suggesting improvements in training for inspectors to recognize and respond to signs of distress. Keegan, too, has called for a culture of respect within the education sector, emphasizing support and value for teachers.
Adding to the discourse, Professor Julia Waters, Ruth Perry’s sister, criticized Ofsted’s current inspection methods as “high-stakes fault finding,” urging reforms to protect teachers’ welfare. Her concerns are echoed by the education community, with unions calling for an overhaul of the inspection regime to prioritize support and expertise over judgment.
Ofsted’s response includes launching a major consultation, the Big Listen, under new chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver, aiming to gather feedback for reform. The Education Select Committee has also suggested exploring alternatives to the current school rating system.
Keegan’s latest comments follow previous controversies, including an incident where she was overheard expressing frustrations over a lack of recognition. Her remarks at the Liverpool conference have reignited debates on the challenges facing educators and the inspections process, with some critics like Mike Short from Unison deeming her choice of words about violence inappropriate and advocating for professionalism.
As discussions and consultations continue, the education sector awaits reforms that may lead to a more positive and constructive approach to school inspections, striving for an environment where both educators and inspectors operate with mutual respect.
