Ofsted - the blame and shame agenda

So do I, Lilygran! Although I do find the recent history of Birmingham SS quite distressing, bringing in someone ready to fire from the hip isn't helpful.

I was once visited by an OfSTED inspector of English, in the same very large comprehensive school. She confided that she had taught for many years in a small, private girls' school and didn't know how I coped. What, I wondered, were her qualifications to be an inspector?

Schools and public services should be inspected, of that there is no doubt, but the prevailing ethos of inspection demoralises totally. My last school is "outstanding", yet the stress caused by trying to maintain that label was disproportionate! DC teach in challenging schools, and the same is true.

If only the governments (of any ilk) would just talk and listen to the professionals.

Bring back HMI!

It is very difficult isn't it, to have an inspection regime that demands improvements for users while not putting undue pressure on professionals who may be battling with factors outside their control (e.g. a colleague on long term sick in the department. Or a lack of able people applying for jobs.)
How on earth though is Birmingham going to get itself out of this mess? Who in their right minds is going to apply to work there? I believe they have a lot of vacancies.

jess you have put your finger on it I think - the vicious cycle whereby poor leadership and underfunding> poor working conditions > demoralised staff feeling undervalued > fewer people prepared to work in those conditions > even worse working conditions.
Those who lose out ultimately are the service users.
Sadly I think it doesn't just apply to the social work profession, buth others too and I don't envy young people starting their professional lives, when the ability to tick boxes and the avoidof blame is thought more important than the development of professional judgment.

My daughter is totaly stressed with her job. Teachers have to have three teaching assesments each year and, if they fail to get the correct marks for all three they're out. Some of her lessons have been with children with severe learning difficulties that are almost impossible to teach. I know standards need to be maintained/improved, but, if someone who is a good [I know I'm biased but her exam results and relationship with her pupils shows it] dedicated teacher is desperately trying to find another job, there's something wrong somewhere.