READING East MP Matt Rodda quizzed the education secretary in Parliament yesterday in the wake of the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry.
The inquest concluded last week that schools inspectorate Ofsted “likely contributed” to the death of the Caversham head teacher, who took her own life back in January.
There have since been increased calls for reforms in the standards organisation, including a number of questions which were put to education secretary Gillian Keegan in Parliament yesterday, Monday, December 11.
Ms Keegan began by saying: “Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy that left a hole in the hearts of her family, her community and her school.
“Throughout this year, I have been honoured to work closely with Ruth’s sister Julia and her friends Lisa and Edmund to introduce important changes to inspection practice alongside Ofsted, which ensure that headteachers can share their inspection outcome, including with colleagues, friends and family.”
She explained that new changes to how Ofsted operates will mean that if a school is graded “inadequate” due to ineffective safeguarding, but all other judgments are “good”, it will be reinspected within three months.
“That has now happened at Caversham Primary School, which was regraded as “good” this summer– we also doubled the wellbeing support for our school leaders.”
Speaking about Ms Perry, she said: “In life, Ruth dedicated herself to her school, and we will build on her legacy to help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson responded, saying: “May I start by again sending my condolences and those of the entire Labour party to the family of Ruth Perry.
“We must all now listen and learn to deliver an inspection system that works in the best interests of children, school staff and communities.”
Later, Matt Rodda MP said: “I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Ruth Perry.
“Following the inquest last week, will the Secretary of State now consider the removal of the single-word judgment from Ofsted inspection reports?”
Ms Keegan responded: “I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and for arranging the initial meetings with Julia Waters, Ruth’s sister, who I know is his constituent—and attending the first few.
“I will be working very closely with the new chief inspector of schools when he starts three weeks today to see what more we can do, but we must remember that Ofsted plays an important role in keeping children safe and standards high.”
