08 December 2023 , 10:03
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Headteacher Ruth Perry’s sister says Ofsted’s response to a coroner’s report that concluded their inspection likely contributed to her death is “woefully inadequate”.
Julia Walters said the schools regulator had apologised “for the distress rather than causing my sister’s death”. Ruth, 53, was found dead in January this year after being told her school – Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire – was being downgraded from "outstanding" to "inadequate", the lowest possible rating.
Following the coroner’s conclusion, Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: “On behalf of Ofsted, I would like to say sorry to them for the distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection. After Mrs Perry’s death we made changes to the way we work, to help reduce the pressure felt by school leaders. We will do more.”
Ruth Perry was described as a 'force for good' by her family (Brighter Futures for Children)She added that the watchdog was delaying next week’s inspections by a day and setting up a hotline for schools that have concerns. Ofsted has also started to develop training for all inspectors on recognising and responding to visible signs of anxiety.
But speaking on BBC Breakfast, Ms Walters said “pausing the inspections for a day to do some training is not enough”. “I receive emails every day from teachers and headteachers and their relatives who’ve been through traumatic inspections. Things absolutely have to change,” she added.
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Julia Waters is demanding Ofsted make more changes (PA)Ms Walters shared notes handwritten by her sister before she died, one of which read: “I wake from restless sleep absolutely panic stricken. 40 days are taking their toll on my skin and my nails, my stomach is wasting away.” Concluding her inquest in Reading on Thursday, senior coroner Heidi Connor said: “The evidence is clear in this respect, and I find that Ruth’s mental health deterioration and death was likely contributed to by the Ofsted inspection.”
Julia Waters spoke to media in Reading Town Hall at the end of the inquest (PA)The inquiry heard Ofsted’s Alan Derry, who led the inspection at the school on November 15 and 16 last year, said Mrs Perry was “tearful” and kept saying: “It’s not looking good is it?” Mrs Perry’s husband Jonathan Perry told the inquest his wife felt the Ofsted inspector was a “bully” with an “agenda”. He said she was concerned that failing on child safeguarding would be the end of her career.
An inspection report, published on Ofsted’s website in March, found Mrs Perry’s school to be “good” in every category apart from leadership and management, where it was judged to be “inadequate”. Ms Connor said: “I find that parts of the Ofsted inspection were conducted in a way which lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity.”
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at josamaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.