school inspections

School inspections in England, conducted by the regulator Ofsted, are undergoing significant changes following widespread criticism. Headteachers and school leadership unions, including the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), have expressed a lack of confidence in the current inspection regime, citing "significant wellbeing issues" that are causing stress and damaging teachers' mental health. This has led to threats of strike ballots. In response to a "barrage of complaints," the education secretary has instructed Ofsted to "go back to the drawing board" on inspection reforms. This marks the second overhaul of the inspection system within a year, highlighting the ongoing and pressing concerns regarding the impact of inspections on the education sector's workforce and overall school environment.