Will the Leopard Change its Spots?: A new model of inspection for Ofsted - Tapa blanda

'Frank Coffield’s comprehensive assessment of the current model of inspection is merely the background to his masterly exposition of the principles that should underpin its replacement. This exceptional book charts the way to the transformative evolution of a new and integrated model of both education and its inspection. Everybody involved with our schools and colleges needs to read it.' (David Hargreaves Wolfson College, Cambridge, and former Chief Inspector of the Inner London Education Authority)

'An excellent proposal for a new, principled and more democratic form of inspection that could genuinely lead to improvement in our education system. Let the debate commence!' (Paul Wakeling Principal, Havering Sixth Form College)

'This impassioned appeal for lifelong learning is underpinned by democratic values, promoting professional trust over the fear engendered by the reductive absurdities Coffield exposes. He is here confirmed as the unparalleled public intellectual of his field.' (Joel Petrie City of Liverpool College)

Does Ofsted do more harm than good? The evidence shows that, despite some benefits, Ofsted’s methods are invalid, unreliable and unjust. Educators are diverted from looking after students to looking after inspectors.

A new model is presented, underpinned by five principles: education as growth; trust rather than fear; challenge matched by support; dialogue; and appreciative inquiry.

There are nine components in the new model that are operationalized so as to dispense with league tables and grades. A single adjective – whether ‘outstanding’ or ‘inadequate’ – cannot sum up all the complexities within a school.

There are welcome signs that Ofsted is willing to act on constructive criticism. Ofsted doesn’t belong to the government but to us, and we have a right to call for change. This is the essence of democracy – the freedom to think differently on behalf of others.