Union had sought permission to apply for judicial review over watchdog’s new inspection framework
A headteachers’ union is to consult members about possible industrial action after a high court judge dismissed its attempt to challenge Ofsted’s new inspection regime for schools in England.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) sought permission to apply for a judicial review, claiming the schools’ watchdog failed to adequately consult on the new framework or give proper consideration to the serious negative impact on teachers’ wellbeing.
On Monday, however, Mr Justice Saini, sitting at the high court in London, refused the union permission to apply for a judicial review, ruling there was “no arguable error” in the consultation process.
Ofsted made its decision in a “procedural and lawful way, and after a careful assessment of the various views expressed to it”, the judge concluded and ordered the claimants to pay £40,000 of Ofsted’s legal costs. The new inspection framework will launch on 10 November as planned.
