Ofsted inspector wins legal battle over dismissal

Andrew Hewston, an Ofsted inspector, has won a five-year legal battle after being dismissed for wiping rainwater off a pupil's forehead in 2019. A Court of Appeal judge ruled that his actions did not warrant dismissal. The court found that Ofsted's decision to fire Hewston was unfair, noting a lack of clarity about what constituted misconduct. The judge highlighted a hostile relationship between Ofsted and the school involved. Hewston expressed relief at the ruling, stating that he felt his ordeal was ending. Unison's general secretary criticized Ofsted for pursuing the case, emphasizing the importance of union support for employees.