I came across an interesting discussion post when I was looking at the Times Education Supplement website today.

Someone had sent emails to OFSTED asking for their position on the use of unqualified staff such as cover supervisors. He posted their responses. The first one was the usual meaningless management speak type answer. The second response contained this unbelievable statement,

"Currently, we do not have hold a view that using unqualified teachers is detrimental to teaching and learning."

Apart from the error of the use of the words "have" and "hold", this is an incredible admission from the body that is supposed to uphold standards in education.

Imagine the NHS saying the exact same thing but about doctors. They would be laughed at.

I remember seeing a UNICEF study from 2007 which measured the quality of childhood based on a number of factors including education. Thee UK came last out of 22 European countries. With attitudes like OFSTED's, is it any wonder?