| SPOTLIGHT |
Ofsted has today (19 January) published its response to a Prevention of Future Deaths report issued by a coroner following the inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.
This comes after Senior Coroner Heid Connor found that an Ofsted inspection "contributed" to the death of Ms Perry, who took her own life while waiting for a report that downgraded her school, Caversham Primary, to "inadequate".
In its formal response, the watchdog has set out what action has been taken before and immediately after the inquest as well as what it proposes to do next, including:
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, revealed that he will also conduct a “comprehensive listening exercise”, the Big Listen, across all the sectors that Ofsted works in – in order to hear directly from parents, leaders and professionals about its current approach.
Inspections of schools and further education providers in England will begin from Monday (22 January), following mental health awareness training for all lead inspectors.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “As a fellow headteacher, I was shocked and saddened by the death of Ruth Perry. As the new Chief Inspector, I am determined to do everything in my power to prevent such tragedies in the future. We accept the Coroner’s findings and have responded to the recommendations of her report in full.
“We must carry out our role in a way that is sensitive to the pressures faced by leaders and staff, without losing our focus on children and learners. Our critical work helps make sure that children and learners have the highest quality of education, training and care. We cannot afford to shy away from difficult decisions and challenging conversations where they are needed in the interests of children. I am determined that we get this delicate balance right.
“We know we still need to do more, and we will do more. Nothing is off the table, as we hold our Big Listen. I know how important it is for the sectors we work with, and for parents and carers, to trust the judgements Ofsted makes. To achieve that aim, we must go about our vital work with professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect.”
Also responding to the Coroner’s report, the Department for Education said that work is “ongoing” between the department, Ofsted, local authorities and trusts “to ensure all headteachers are supported during the inspection process”.
It said the Department is “committed” to working with Ofsted to review how judgements are made for schools that are found to be inadequate solely on safeguarding grounds, as Caversham Primary School was.
“Where the safeguarding issues are shown to have been resolved quickly, no further intervention will take place”, said the DfE.
Safeguarding guidance in the Department will also be reviewed and a call for evidence will be launched in the spring.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy and the coroner’s findings made clear that lessons need to be learned.
“That’s why I have worked closely with Ruth Perry’s sister, former colleagues and friends over the past year, to listen and make important changes to inspections with Ofsted to secure a legacy for Ruth."
She added: “We are working to ensure inspections keep children safe, whilst also prioritising the safety and wellbeing of school leaders serving in our schools through expanded wellbeing support for leaders.
“I hope lots of teachers and parents take part in Ofsted’s Big Listen to further evolve inspection practice so Ofsted continues to drive up school standards.”
Lottie Winson
