OFSTED practises have been called into question and Matt Rodda MP has released a statement following a meeting with the schools minister, Nick Gibb, in the wake of the death of Ruth Perry.
Ms Perry was the head teacher at Caversham Primary School, Reading, for 13 years, but was found dead in January.
Her family said that she had taken her own life just weeks after an Ofsted inspection, and just days before the school was expected to drop from an “outstanding” rating down to an “inadequate” rating.
Ms Perry’s sister, Julia Waters, said that she would often count down to the publication of the report, describing it as a weight “hanging over her.”
“Inadequate” is the lowest rating afforded by the educational ombudsman, which published the report regarding the school’s performance earlier this week.
Ms Waters said that staff had been told their rating would be dropping during the visit in November last year.
The school responded to the report in a letter, saying: “The school, led by Ruth, responded immediately after the inspection visit, to take action to resolve the issues raised.
“Following the heart-breaking loss of Ruth, we have continued her work to ensure that the school is an effective, safe, and happy place for children to learn and achieve.”
Now Ofsted’s practises have been called into question, including by Reading East MP Matt Rodda who said that the ombudsman had to ask themselves “about their role.”
Matt Rodda said, following his meeting with the schools minister, that: “The death of Ruth Perry was a devastating event for her family and our community.
“I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to her family as they continue to grieve for a much-loved daughter, mum, wife, and sister– I will continue to support the family as best I can.
“Ofsted must now ask themselves some tough questions about their role and how we prevent further tragedies in the future.”
Speaking to the BBC, he said that there were “local concerns” about Ofsted inspections and how it implemented its reports framework.
Matthew Purves, regional director for Ofsted in the south east, said: “We were deeply saddened by Ruth Perry’s tragic death.
“Our thoughts remain with Mrs Perry’s family, friends, and everyone in the Caversham Primary School community.”
Following the news of her death in January, Ms Perry was described in a joint statement by the council and Brighter Futures for Children as a “hugely respected, experienced and a well-established figure at Caversham Primary.”
She became headteacher in 2010, having previously acted as Deputy Head in 2006, and had even studied at the school herself from 1973 and 1980.
Reading Today has approached Reading Borough Council for comment.
