'Talking down teachers and state schools is grossly unfair and inaccurate'

24 November 2009

Commenting on the publication of the Ofsted Annual Report, Chris Keates general secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers' union, said:

"The commentary that surrounds this Report every year is hugely demoralising for teachers and school leaders.

"Whatever the Report says the focus is always on any negative aspects, despite the fact that there are very few in a picture which is overwhelmingly positive.

"This regular 'talking down' of teachers and state schools is not only totally unfair, it is grossly inaccurate.

"The Report demonstrates that even in the context of the regular moving of the goalposts by Ofsted, teachers and school leaders have delivered remarkable progress in educational achievement.

"The number of schools judged as outstanding has doubled.

"The number of schools found to be 'inadequate' has halved.

"The findings on pupil behaviour in schools demonstrates the fallacy of the assertions by those who seek to present a picture of schools in melt down or chaos.

"Teachers are never complacent about educational standards. This Report demonstrates the very positive outcome of their continuing dedication, hard work and commitment often in the most challenging and difficult of circumstances.

"It is about time this was recognised and celebrated."

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