| SPOTLIGHT |
School leaders’ union NAHT has written to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector to demand a suspension of Ofsted inspections while steps are taken to address the risk to the mental health of school staff and enable suicide risk prevention to be put in place.
The pre-action letter, sent on Friday (31 March), is the first step in judicial review proceedings and cites Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which imposes obligations on public authorities to “take reasonable steps where there is a real and immediate risk of a loss of life”.
The union argues that the recent death of Ruth Perry, and the naming of Ofsted inspections as a factor in the deaths of 10 teachers, (as revealed by The Observer), indicates the “human rights of school staff are not being protected by the current Ofsted regime” and that “immediate action is needed to minimise harm and protect lives”.
Ruth Perry was the head at Caversham Primary School in Reading, who took her own life while waiting for a report that downgraded her school to "inadequate".
As reported on the BBC, a statement from Ms Perry’s family said: "We are in no doubt that Ruth's death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school”.
NAHT revealed it has called on Ofsted to “pause inspections whilst a review is carried out to identify and put in place immediate measures to minimise the risk of harm to school staff”.
The union has demanded a reply from Ofsted by Thursday 6 April.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “The tragic death of Ruth Perry has shone a light on the intolerable pressure placed on school leaders and their staff during Ofsted inspections. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to force change, but Ofsted has shown no inclination to change on its own.
“We have requested that Ofsted works with NAHT, as recognised representatives of school leaders, to identify and agree immediate actions that can be taken. It is essential that these actions are discussed and agreed with NAHT if it is to make any meaningful difference. It needs to be done with us, not to us. Up until now those requests have been ignored. As such, we have no alternative but to go down this route."
Whiteman added: “Whilst Ofsted have issued warm words, that is simply not good enough and it has shown nothing like the understanding or urgency that this situation requires.
“School leaders are determined that this should be a watershed moment and that such a tragedy can never be allowed to happen again.”
An Ofsted spokesperson said: “We are surprised by claims that Ofsted has ignored requests to engage in discussions with the NAHT.
“Amanda Spielman has met senior NAHT representatives twice in the last week, and she has clearly indicated Ofsted’s willingness to continue having constructive discussions about these issues.”
Lottie Winson
