Ofsted’s initial response to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry appeared “defensive and complacent”, an independent review has concluded.
Dame Christine Gilbert, who led the inquiry, on Tuesday said the watchdog was shocked when her death was linked to a school inspection as it had a “lack of awareness”. The former Ofsted chief inspector said the organisation must be “more open” to learn the lessons from the tragedy, adding that the work it was doing to right its mistakes must continue with a “sense of urgency”.
A separate review published on Tuesday confirmed school staff see Ofsted as a symbol of “stress, anxiety and apprehension”. Landmark research, including mammoth surveys and analysis, laid bare the issues at the heart of the organisation following the death of Ms Perry last year.
(
Getty Images/Vetta)
Ofsted’s Big Listen survey, which received over 20,000 responses from children, parents and staff in education, found 72% of those in the sector said inspections affected the wellbeing of school staff. It also showed only three in 10 professionals (29%) and four in 10 parents (38%) support single-word judgements for overall effectiveness.
Ms Perry took her own life after her Caversham Primary School in Reading was downgraded from its highest rating of “outstanding” to its lowest rating – “inadequate” – over safeguarding concerns. A coroner concluded the Ofsted inspection in November 2022 “contributed” to Ms Perry’s death.
The Government announced on Monday it will scrap single-headline Ofsted ratings, paving the way for a new report card system. Four grades across sub-categories will be given for this academic year, while a new report card system for parents will be consulted on in early 2025.
Ofsted on Tuesday announced a raft of other changes including for the publication of inspection reports to be paused when safeguarding concerns are identified in an otherwise high-performing school until inspectors revisit the school within three months. The watchdog has also committed to reducing “the burden of inspection” on education providers by giving schools notice for all routine visits on a Monday.
Any new inspection system will have greater focus on pupil outcomes to drive higher, Ofsted said, with a particular focus on vulnerable children, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs. New annual safeguarding, attendance and off-rolling reviews for schools will also be introduced amid continued high levels of pupil absence since the pandemic.
Ms Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, said: “Dame Christine Gilbert’s learning review is highly critical of Ofsted’s culture and practices in many places. It highlights how Ofsted’s response to my sister’s death appeared defensive and complacent.
“She reveals a culture that has allowed inspectors to come across as remote and infallible, with an unfair power balance between inspectors and those they inspect. I am glad that Ofsted has accepted the majority of Dame Christine’s recommendations.”
On a school visit on Monday Keir Starmer said scrapping single-headline Ofsted ratings “is about driving up standards”. He said he believed a lot of parents “will be really relieved” to have a “richer picture, more accountability and that you’ve got a Government that is absolutely determined to drive up standards”.
Sir Martyn Oliver, chief inspector of Ofsted, said: “This is the beginning of a new chapter for Ofsted as we reset our priorities, refine our practices and rebuild our relationships. He added: “The tragic death of Ruth Perry was a catalyst for this change, but the case for change has been building for years.
“We recognise the growing challenges facing education and social care, particularly since the pandemic. We don’t want to add to this pressure. Many of the changes we are introducing are aimed at reducing the pressure on those we inspect.”
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union the NAHT, said: “Change to how inspections are carried out in England is now inevitable and unavoidable. We need to work towards a more humane and fair system as quickly as possible.”
:: Contact the Samaritans for mental health support on 116 123, email at josamaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.