Episode 7 with Edmund Barnett-Ward

In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

• The ineffectiveness of Ofsted's "tinkering" reforms and its continued focus on judgment rather than improvement.
• The urgent need for an independent complaints process to ensure fairness and accountability.
• The harmful impact of Ofsted's high-stakes inspections on school staff well-being.
• Alternative peer-review models that could foster supportive, context-driven evaluations rather than punitive measures.

Edmund also reflects on his background as a toy designer and his work on Doctor Who action figures, bringing a creative perspective to the discussion.

🔍 A thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and calls for meaningful reform in school inspections.

🎧 Listen now to explore how we can create a more supportive and effective education system.