"You're getting sacked in the morning..."

Headteachers woke last weekend to the news that Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new boss of Ofsted, thinks 5,000 of them are 'poor' and should be got rid of.

At a recent Wolverhampton Wolves match - a pitiful home defeat - fans of both teams united to sing that cheery refrain so beloved of football fans: "Sacked in the morning, you’re getting sacked in the morning…."

It is easy to judge the success of a football manager, isn't it?  The team’s league position, recent performances. If all’s not well, sack the manager.

Or are there other factors?  The ability of the players you can afford to attract? How much money has been invested? Whether you are building something for the future: an outstanding 'youth scheme' that will take five years to come to fruition, perhaps?

No - supporters like me are simple souls. We like simple solutions to highly complex problems. Sack him.  In the morning.

But hang on.  What about those 5,000 headteachers Mr Wilshaw says are inadequate leaders?  Sack them too!

But on what should they be judged?  What is good leadership, and school success?

Are heads being judged solely by their league table position? What else? Sport?  Shows?  Music?  Trips? Esprit de corps?  A whole host of experiences a school might provide may be important to youngsters and parents ... but not to Ofsted!

Is the ability of the youngsters at intake taken into account? What about schools situated midst a dysfunctional community, with many children from dysfunctional families?

No - despite the hugely complex problems that society dumps upon young children via an amoral media, the poor old headteacher is to be held responsible if he or she fails to inspire the huge majority to become successful, well adjusted, worthwhile members of society.

Despite the often heroic efforts of the school and staff, he or she is to be dismissed as ‘not up to the job' if most of the children are not 'above average' (though how that is statistically possible is beyond me).

But back to Mr McCarthy.  Who will replace him? Plenty of candidates, but any better?

And please Mr Wilshaw, who will replace the 5,000 headteachers?  Potential headteachers are an endangered species. Fewer and fewer are coming forwards for what should be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding jobs imaginable.

Do we really think that the best way to get the best out of our children, the best out of our players, the best out of our managers, our headteachers is to tell them they are rubbish, and are "getting sacked in the morning"?

Or do people respond better to praise and encouragement and support?   I know which I believe.  And I will sing heartily in support of 'Super SuperMick, super SuperMick, super SuperMick, super Mick McCarthy' as long as he is leading my team. It's the successful way.


Mike Griffiths
ASCL Vice President