From 'Outstanding' to 'Inadequate'. What do these words actually mean? Context is everything, and the Devil is in the detail. How much of this discussion is actually about sensible decision making as opposed to 'strained relationships' between Ofsted, teachers, leaders and parents? Since the tragic loss of Ruth Perry, there has been a spotlight on Ofsted, their practices and the way in which they attribute single word judgements to schools and colleges. There is much more context to these decisions, but it's incredibly difficult to see past that 'label', as it were. To us, this discussion seems completely sensible. One word can either be incredibly damning or immensely complimentary. However, the grade itself can prevent parents and students from appreciating why some institutions are 'outstanding' or 'inadequate', they just... are. Do we really appreciate why institutions are graded the way they are, if we don't always look beyond the label? The label in itself doesn't really do what it's intended to. Is Sir Martyn Oliver doing and saying the right things at the minute, or does this whole system need a complete overhaul? What are your thoughts? Comment below or head to the Forum.
Image courtesy of BBC
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