Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has been criticised following comments about Ofsted inspectors in which she mentioned she would have been tempted to “punch” them due to their rude behaviour during school visits. These remarks were made at a conference and have attracted attention from Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, and Unison, the union representing Ofsted staff. Sir Martyn emphasized the need for professionalism and respect, while Unison condemned the suggestion of violence as inappropriate.

The controversy arrives amid heightened scrutiny over Ofsted’s conduct and its impact on school staff, particularly following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry after her school was downgraded. The incident has sparked a broader debate on the pressures schools face from inspections.

In response to growing concerns about Ofsted’s approach, Sir Martyn Oliver has initiated a major consultation project titled the Big Listen. This 12-week initiative aims to gather feedback from parents, educators, and professionals to improve the watchdog’s performance and rebuild trust within the education sector. The focus is on prioritising the interests of disadvantaged children and enhancing collaboration and transparency in the inspection process.

Criticism of Keegan’s comments extended to the political sphere, where Labour’s Bridget Phillipson urged the Education Secretary to concentrate on reforming Ofsted rather than making remarks about violence. Amidst calls for a culture change within Ofsted, there is a push for a more respectful and constructive approach to inspections, moving away from single-word judgments to a system that is fairer and more supportive of educational institutions.

The events underscore a pivotal moment for Ofsted and the Department for Education as they navigate criticisms and work towards reforms that aim to ensure a positive impact on children’s education and the well-being of educators.