Sister of headteacher who killed herself after bad report brands Ofsted 'unfair'
The sister of a headteacher who took her own life after a negative Ofsted report has branded their inspection as 'unfair' and 'sensationalist'.
Ruth Perry, who was head at Caversham Primary School in Reading, killed herself in January while waiting for an Ofsted report which gave her school the lowest possible rating, according to her family.
The inspection report found the school to be "good" in every category - apart from leadership and management, where it was rated "inadequate".
Ms Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, said in a statement on behalf of the family that some of the Ofsted inspectors’ conclusions were "sensationalist" and "drawn from scant evidence", such as gaps in record-keeping and typical child behaviour.
Ruth Perry, who was head at Caversham Primary School in Reading, killed herself in January (Brighter Futures for Children)"In our opinion, the findings of Ofsted were disproportionate, unfair and, as has tragically been proven, deeply harmful in their (implied) focus on one individual," she added.
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Ms Waters went on to say that the family was in "no doubt that Ruth’s death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school."
She also said her sister took her own life "under intolerable pressure from external scrutiny”.
But she also stated that she did not believe Ofsted inspectors meant to cause any harm and blamed the "fatally flawed system" instead.
Professor Julia Waters blamed the 'fatally flawed system' for her sister's death (BBC South Today)"Our only hope is that Ruth’s sudden, appalling death will be the last to occur as a result of the intolerable pressures caused by the Ofsted system," she added.
Ms Waters described Ruth as a kind and "highly regarded" headteacher who taught for 32 years.
"Whatever happens now, those who knew and loved Ruth will be poorer for her absence for the rest of our lives," she said.
A petition calling for an inquiry into the inspection of Caversham Primary School has more than 66,000 signatures.
Ms Perry said those who knew and loved Ruth 'will be poorer for her absence for the rest of our lives' (BBC South Today)Protests have also spread to nearby Newbury, where a headteacher says she has informed inspectors not to turn up for a scheduled inspection at her own school.
In a tweet posted on Monday, Flora Cooper from John Rankin School said: "I've just had the call. I've refused entry. This is an interesting phone call. Doing this for everyone for our school staff everywhere!"
She later asked supporters to gather at the school to show support, claiming she was "taking a stand" against Ofsted - before retracting the request out of concerns for pupil and staff safety.
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