It is about trying to see if we can move to a system where there is a greater sense of ownership and a greater sense of partnership

Carol Adams, General Teaching Council

Under the management of the controversial former chief inspector Chris Woodhead, Ofsted was loathed and feared for its determination to rule out bad teaching in England.

But the GTC - set up by the government to represent the teaching profession - said it was time for teachers to have a say in the future direction of the watchdog.

Schools had to be held to account, the council recognised, but added in a statement: "It is concerned that the current system also has significant demoralising and negative effects on teaching."

Meeting with Ofsted boss

The council's chief executive, Carol Adams, said she would try to set up a meeting with Ofsted's new chief inspector, Mike Tomlinson, to discuss possible ways forward.

The former boss of Ofsted offended many teachers

She said the council would be questioning teachers on how they thought Ofsted inspections should conducted.

She was asked whether Mr Woodhead's resignation had provided the chance for a change in direction at the inspectorate and said she was "sure that was part of the thinking".

"It is about trying to see if we can move to a system where there is a greater sense of ownership and a greater sense of partnership - people have felt a bit 'done to' by inspections," she said.

Her remarks came a few days after Mr Tomlinson signalled the beginning of a new era at Ofsted, as he praised the work done by teachers.