02 January 2024 , 11:13
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School inspections will be halted until later in the month for inspectors to receive mental health training following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
Routine inspections will not take place in schools in England at the start of term, Ofsted's new chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said, as he launched a package of training for inspectors. It comes after school leaders' unions called for Ofsted inspections to be suspended to allow time for "meaningful action to be taken" following the inquest into the death of Mrs Perry.
She killed herself after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns. An inquest was told of handwritten notes which laid bare her anguish with one stating I.N.A.D.E.Q.U.A.T.E. following the inspection.
Staff at the school said the headteacher was left tearful and incoherent after the inspectors visited on November 15 and 16, 2022. In the notes, found by Ruth's family, she said she was "devastated" and "heartbroken". She also wrote: "I do not believe any child has been harmed because I have been negligent in my duties."
In Ruth’s mind during Christmas 2022 the inspection kept running through her mind to the extent she wrote “I.N.A.D.E.Q.U.A.T.E keeps flashing behind my eyes”, at 2.15am on Christmas Day while her husband and daughters slept, reported the BBC. Other notes she wrote stated: "Every space is filled with my feelings of wretchedness and desperation," adding: “I wake from restless sleep absolutely panic stricken,” and “the pain inside is intolerable”.
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Family members speaking in Reading Town Hall following Mrs Perry's inquest (PA)She wrote plans to break the news to parents that the school had been rated "inadequate". She stated: "I write this to you as parents on the evening of 18th November 2022 to say how utterly broken I am by the Ofsted inspection. I have given my life to CPS [Caversham Primary School]. I have only ever wanted children to leave happy and confident on the next stage of their journey, and I have been devastated by the impact of how I have done a disservice to the community."
After the inspection Ruth also told her husband Jonathan Perry of her "dark thoughts" and was worried about the impact of the school being described as inadequate - including concern that the local community would be angry. She suggested that they would have to move away and it is also reported that she confided to the school's business manager that she had considered taking her own life.
Another note by Ruth also showed her mental state where she wrote: “I have not been able to find any joy in Christmas preparations. I walk into a shop and cannot face buying anything.” Ruth's sister Prof Julia Waters said that she visited her after the inspection where she found her in a low state. "I'm broken," Ruth reportedly told Julia, and began to cry. "I gave her a hug," said Prof Waters, "she just leant into me and cried. There was nothing I could do to comfort her - I've never seen her like that."
Last month, senior coroner Heidi Connor concluded that the Ofsted inspection on November 15 and 16 in 2022 "likely contributed" to Mrs Perry's death. Sir Martyn, who started as Ofsted's chief inspector this week, announced that routine school inspections in the spring term in England will begin later in January.
Sir Martyn Oliver has announced Ofsted changes (PA)Next week inspectors will receive training from Mental Health First Aid England who will then lead a rolling programme of further mental health awareness training for all inspectors. The new chief inspector will focus on Ofsted's response to the coroner's inquest into the death of Mrs Perry, and Sir Martyn will respond in full to the coroner's findings in the coming weeks.
The Ofsted chief will reach out to parents and education professionals about the watchdog's approach to inspections as part of The Big Listen which will begin later this term. Sir Martyn, who used to be chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: "Over the last year, since the tragic death of Ruth Perry, our inspections have come under great scrutiny.
"I'm determined that we learn from this to improve the way we work and respond fully to the coroner's inquest, taking tangible actions to address the concerns raised. A lot has been done already, but a lot more can be done now - starting with a robust programme of mental health awareness training for all our inspectors. That begins next week and will become an integral part of how we train and develop our people.
"The materials we use and the changes we have already made, along with much more to come, will be made available for all to see. We are determined to bring about a fresh start in the new year to inspire greater confidence in our work among parents and the sectors we inspect and regulate."
He added: "Along with immediate training on mental health awareness, one of the first things I want to do is listen - to parents, to professionals in the sectors we work with, and to people with an interest in our work. We are here for children, their parents and carers - and we will serve them best by working constructively, respectfully and empathetically with the experts who are responsible for their education and care. Our people come from these sectors. We understand the pressures they are under - and we will make that clear as we go about our work."
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: "This announcement shows that the new chief inspector has a greater understanding of the problem. Allowing time for training is a positive signal. Next, Sir Martyn needs to agree with the profession immediate steps that will bring sufficient confidence to allow time to develop much-needed long-term reform. I look forward to discussing this with HMCI (His Majesty's Chief Inspector) this week."
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Former Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman previously apologised on behalf of the schools regulator to the family and friends of Mrs Perry. She said Ofsted had made changes to reduce pressures felt by school leaders and "will do more" to address concerns raised by the coroner.
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.