Head teachers launch Ofsted watch

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Head teachers in England have launched "Offwatch" - a confidential system for reporting allegations of unprofessional behaviour by Ofsted inspectors.

The National Association of Head Teachers' web-based project to "police the police" is aimed at amassing evidence to refer to the inspectorate.

The union says most inspections are fair but some leave "a wake of misery".

Ofsted said the scheme was "unhelpful", adding under 5% of 6,116 inspections last year resulted in a complaint.

'Survival pack'

But the NAHT said that for some time it had had "real concern" about the conduct of some inspections.

There are already suitable channels for schools to use if they have any concerns about their inspections Ofsted

"Whilst most teams have the high professional qualities expected by schools and school leaders, there are far too many reports of inspection teams leaving a wake of misery behind them," it said.

"We know that fear of such an inspection is a major reason for many school leaders turning their backs on headship."

Another aspect of the NAHT's new web-based scheme is a "post-inspection survival pack" with advice and support for members whose inspection has been unsatisfactory.

"Offwatch is intended as a positive move," it said.

"We know that Ofsted wants to be made aware of inspections which are not carried out to their high standards.

"This system will allow NAHT to pass on details of the concerns of NAHT members, and contribute to improving the standard of inspection."

Satisfaction rating

An Ofsted spokeswoman said head teachers liked the system of school inspection introduced in September 2005 and 91% were satisfied with the conduct of their inspections.

She said that more than 6,116 inspections were carried out during the 2005-06 academic year, with fewer than 295 resulting in a complaint.

That was 4.8% of all inspections - lower than in the previous two years.

"This action by the NAHT is unhelpful," she said.

"There are already suitable channels for schools to use if they have any concerns about their inspections.

"We expect all our inspectors to conduct inspections to a high standard, and are confident that they do so."