Copyright dailymail
Head teachers have threatened strikes over Ofsted report card plans after the High Court rejected their legal challenge. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said its 37,000 members could walk out this academic year, causing chaos for schools. The union, which represents mostly primary school heads, says the new system will make inspections more stressful for staff. The redesigned report cards, due to be rolled out next month, do away with overall ratings but give scores on a wide range of sub-categories. The NAHT launched a judicial review claim in the High Court, but today this was thrown out by a judge. Speaking after the case, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: ‘The decision doesn't detract from our valid concern about the damage to the mental health and wellbeing of school leaders and staff. ‘This is an acute and basic health and safety issue. ‘We will now consider an appeal and will be consulting our members on industrial action.’ Under the new system, schools will be assessed across six areas on a five-point scale ranging from ‘causing concern’ to ‘exemplary’. Previously, inspection reports gave an overall rating and there were only four areas to assess, on a four-point scale. The NAHT says the new, more complex system will create even more worry for teachers. Its lawyers argued today that Ofsted had failed to consult properly, but this was dismissed by Mr Justice Saini, who said consultation had taken place in a ‘lawful way’. The overhaul of Ofsted’s inspection system was ordered by Labour after they came to power. It was originally sparked by the death of Ruth Perry, who took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her Berkshire primary school to ‘inadequate’. Teachers thought the redesign would lessen the inspection burden, but many say it has been made even worse. In its submission to the court yesterday, the NAHT said: ‘Narrative-only verdicts are the correct way forward and they are the correct way of safeguarding wellbeing.’ Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said following the ruling that the changes would help to ‘raise standards of education for all’. He said: ‘I have every confidence that headteachers will recognise the changes are fair, that inspection takes staff wellbeing fully into account, and that the whole experience is collaborative and constructive.’ The NAHT will now consult members on whether to have an industrial action ballot, which could take place in the New Year. Industrial action may include anything from non-compliance to strikes, with scheduled dates likely to be before the end of the summer term. If heads do walk out, other unions representing rank-and-file teachers could coordinate similar action to ensure some schools have to close.
