Ofsted chief Christine Gilbert given marching orders by Gove?

By Molly Garboden, senior journalist, on 21 June , 2010 in Child protection, children in care, Childrens service news, Ofsted

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Rumours are circulating around the media about Ofsted chief Christine Gilbert refusing to leave her post, despite being encouraged to do so by education secretary Michael Gove.

The Department for Education has said they don’t know anything about it, whether it’s true or not.

Tres shady, you might say – well, so did we.

Meanwhile, Ofsted’s official line on the matter is from Zenna Atkins, chairman, who said:

“Christine’s contract as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector ends in October 2011. While she has already indicated to the Secretary of State that she will not be seeking to renew her term as HMCI when the current contract ends, she has no plans to leave before that date. Christine has made it clear to me that if it would be helpful for the new Chief Inspector to take over earlier in 2011, she would be happy to discuss that further.

“The post of Chief Inspector is a crown appointment and it is crucial that Christine continues to ensure that Ofsted’s many statutory duties are carried out rigorously and that Ofsted reports are produced independently without fear or favour. She will also continue to work with the new government to help raise standards and the quality of life for children, young people and adult learners.”