SCHOOL CRISIS: Inspectors 'changed goal posts' - union (From South Wales Argus)

SCHOOL CRISIS: Inspectors 'changed goal posts' - union

10:19am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Gwent news

A SENIOR teaching union figure said today "the goal posts have been changed" in school inspection casting doubt on the findings which have placed Torfaen schools in special measures today.

Rex Phillips, NASUWT Wales organiser, said: "This is a pattern that appears to be emerging across Wales. As a trade union we have questioned the credibility of Estyn reports on which theses decisions are based.

"We are concerned that these steps are being taken to assist the Welsh Government to provide education services without the need for local government reorganisation. When we look at these reports there is no doubt that Estyn is taking a much harder line - they have changed the goal posts in their inspections. They have moved away from a supportive system where inspectors were viewed as the critical friend by schools and local authorities. We are concerned that their approach is being dictated by the views of the Welsh Government."

"This is local government reorganisation by the back door.

"Had it (Estyn) inspected the local authority a few years ago in a different culture I don't think we would had the same result."