ABSTRACT
Recently I suggested to the newly appointed head of HM Inspectorate (HMI), Mr Eric Bolton, that the Inspectorate all too often seemed like football directors in their box complaining about the failings of the players on the field rather than the coach trying to improve matters between halves. On reflection I believe I had the wrong target (more about the role of the HMI later). It is the relative detachment of the Department of Education and Science (DES) and of ministers from the field of play which should be the real cause for concern. Admittedly the secretary of state and permanent secretary, and their immediate predecessors, have made sterling efforts, way beyond the call of duty, to spend time in schools and colleges, to meet the marginal groups who believe they have a stake in the education service and to respond carefully to pleas from parents and other complainants.
