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The head of education inspectorate Ofsted has defended its work, and urged critics to look beyond ‘unhelpful myths' about what it does. Writing exclusively in The MJ, Christine Gilbert argues there is support across local government for Ofsted's work, and a recognition that inspection supports improvement and encourages services to ‘focus on the needs of users'. The chief inspector also defends its reviews of children's social services which have been criticised following the case of Baby Peter. The case led to criticism of the inspection system and of Ofsted from a High Court judge reviewing the case, brought by former Haringey LBC children's services director, Sharon Shoesmith. Ms Gilbert says: ‘While we should recognise the successes of the majority of local councils which are achieving well for children and young people, we also need to highlight the local areas where more effort is required to improve inadequate and weaker services.' Ms Gilbert argues most of its positive inspections are not reported, leading to a distorted view of the inspection process and the assessments Ofsted arrives at. There is also a call for support. She says: ‘In order for Ofsted to perform our role most effectively, it is important that we have the respect and trust of those we inspect and regulate.' But her comments come in the same week as MPs questioned the inspectorate's role and plans to introduce a single grade for schools, based on a US-style report card. Members of the children, schools and families committee questioned whether its remit ‘is sustainable for a single organisation, in the long term'. The committee warned: ‘Both Ofsted and the Government should be alert to any sign that the growth of Ofsted's responsibilities is causing it to become unwieldy or unco-ordinated.'

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Inspectorate chief fends off criticism

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