We welcome HMIE’s motives in attempting to reduce the anxiety of staff over school inspections, which we know from calls to our support lines is a very stressful time for teachers.

It remains to be seen if less notice of an inspection will reduce teachers’ anxiety as, in our experience, it is the anticipation of the process that causes concern long before times and dates are fixed.

It is important that, when schools are being inspected, the emphasis is on making the inspection a positive process for teachers and thereby helping schools, teachers and pupils to perform at their best.

Julian Stanley, chief executive, Teacher Support Scotland.