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Should Ofsted behave like swooping hawks? How can schools thrive in a climate of fear? | Gaby Hinsliff

All over the country, teachers are talking about the trauma. It is time to ask if this inspection regime really is the right one

When inspectors from Ofsted, England’s education watchdog, descended on Flora Cooper’s Berkshire primary school this week, there was a small but poignant crowd of protesters waiting at the gates.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” the headteacher had tweeted the night before, of her plans to refuse them entry. “But someone has to.” In the end she let the inspection proceed – obstructing it risks a £2,500 fine – but her stand felt like a Spartacus moment for teaching nonetheless.

Gaby Hinsliff is a Guardian columnist

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.

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