Future Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw states: “If anyone says to you that ‘staff morale is at an all-time low’ you will know you are doing something right” (“Satisfactory is out. Linking performance and pay is in”, 2 December). This seems to suggest that an unhappy school is a successful school, which goes against all educational wisdom.
We know high staff morale leads to an optimistic and welcoming environment where everyone gives their best for pupils. This is reflected in the social, moral, spiritual and cultural dimension of the school - an area that will be on the Ofsted checklist when Sir Michael takes over. Do we want to teach in a climate of fear or a place where we are valued?
Anne Krisman, RE teacher, Kent.