OFSTED is to face a shake-up when it comes to inspections as it responds to the death of a Caversham primary school teacher.
Ruth Perry died by suicide following the downgrading of her school from outstanding to inadequate.
Now, the Department of Education has sent to the coroner its plan to reform the system so no one else feels they have to take such action.
In her letter to the coroner, education secretary Gillian Keegan said Ruth’s death had shocked the department and accepted the findings of the inquest in full.
“Ruth was a dedicated professional who was absolutely committed to her pupils, staff and the whole community around Caversham Primary School,” she wrote.
“No headteacher should lose their life in this way.
“We will strive in every way to prevent this from happening again. We owe that to Ruth, to her family and to the profession.”
And in a statement released this morning (Friday, January 19), it said the department is committed to working with Ofsted to review how judgments are made for schools that are found to be inadequate solely on safeguarding grounds, as Caversham Primary School was.
It said that where the safeguarding issues are shown to have been resolved quickly, no further intervention will take place.
Safeguarding guidance in the department will also be reviewed and a call for evidence will be launched in the spring.
Ms 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.
“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.”
