Ofsted Under Fire: Will They Ever Get It Right?
For years, Ofsted has been the organisation shaping the standards of education across England. Yet after repeated controversies over grading, staff wellbeing and inconsistent inspections, many teachers are asking the same question. Will Ofsted ever get it right?
In the latest episode of Teach Sleep Repeat, Dylan and Hayden take a hard look at the inspectorate’s new report cards, the shift away from single word gradings and the wider impact on morale in schools. Whether you are a teacher, a school leader or a parent trying to understand how your child’s school is judged, this discussion gives you an honest look at the changes and what they might mean.
What is Changing with Ofsted’s Report Cards
The biggest announcement is the introduction of report cards, intended to replace blunt labels like Outstanding or Requires Improvement. On the surface this should create a fairer, more balanced picture of schools. But as Dylan notes in the episode, a new format will not fix a broken culture if inspectors are still judging schools on a single visit rather than long term evidence. School leaders welcome the idea of more detail but worry that parents will still look for a simple label when choosing schools.
Teacher Wellbeing Under the Microscope
Ofsted inspections have long been criticised for the pressure they place on staff and the impact on morale. Hayden points out in the episode that you cannot claim to prioritise wellbeing while teachers spend the week before an inspection dreading a phone call. The conversation examines whether these latest changes genuinely reduce stress or simply repackage the same pressures.
Grading Controversies and Public Trust
From inconsistent judgements to unclear criteria, Ofsted’s grading system has a long history of controversy. Dylan and Hayden explore why trust between schools and inspectors has eroded and whether meaningful reform is possible. They talk about how these issues affect classroom practice and the wider school community, and what meaningful change might look like.
Listen to the Full Episode
This summary only covers part of the debate. Listen to the full episode now!
Hayden Stevens
Hayden has spent over a decade in UK classrooms, leading lessons, supporting colleagues, and championing the rights of teachers. He’s a firm believer that education should leave children curious, confident, and ready to learn for life. Away from the lesson plans, Hayden isn’t afraid to speak up about what’s right for both staff and pupils, and on the podcast he brings a mix of thoughtful discussion, sharp insights, and the occasional eye-roll when Dylan starts causing trouble.
The Power of Play: Why Continuous Provision Matters for Every Child
