School leaders' union NAHT has today agreed with Ofsted a set of new measures to evaluate and monitor the impact of the new inspection framework on school leader wellbeing.

As part of this work, NAHT will establish an independent advisory group that will focus on the impact of inspection and also any subsequent RISE support on leader wellbeing. Both the DfE and Ofsted have agreed to be permanent members of the group. Other members of the group will include the main leadership organisations. The panel will be chaired by Sinead McBrearty, author of the Independent Wellbeing Assessment published in 2025.

In addition, Ofsted and NAHT have agreed to work together to gather independent evidence and feedback on the roll-out of the renewed inspection framework. The advisory group will examine the data gathered from this work to understand the impact of the framework on school leaders’ wellbeing, and to identify actions that could further support mental health and wellbeing before, during, and after inspection.

The advisory group will also consider the impact of the support schools receive after an inspection, including the work of RISE teams.

NAHT general secretary, Paul Whiteman, said: “Our focus has always been on the health and wellbeing of school leaders. It is crucial that we have independent data that gives clear and honest feedback from leaders who have experienced inspection. We look forward to working with Ofsted and DfE officials through the new advisory group to ensure that school leader wellbeing is being prioritised and action taken to support and protect them before, during and after the inspection process.”

Chief Inspector of Ofsted, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “We are committed to ensuring the renewed EIF is as successful as possible, both raising standards for children, providing new-look report cards for parents and being fairer to professionals. We are keen to gather independent data so we can see where any improvements can be made. That improvement works best when inspectors and school leaders are all pushing in the same direction. We want to hear feedback, make improvements and work together to secure a better future for children.”