Education secretary Gillian Keegan has promised some “immediate” changes to Ofsted inspection following a meeting today with friends and family of late headteacher Ruth Perry.
The Department for Education has issued a statement tonight following a second meeting between Ms Keegan and the group.
The education secretary said that the DfE was working with Ofsted to ensure it ”continues to raise standards while commanding the confidence of school leaders”.
She said that some changes being made to Ofsted inspection “will be immediate; some will take longer”. But the department has provided no further detail on the changes planned.
Ofsted has been under scrutiny following the death of Ms Perry earlier this year. Her family have said she took her own life following a negative Ofsted inspection, before a report was published that downgraded her school from “outstanding” to “inadequate”.
Ms Perry’s family speaking out has prompted calls for inspection to be paused and for Ofsted to be reformed.
In a statement issued tonight, Ms Keegan said: “Ruth Perry’s tragic death reminds us of the vital role of headteachers and teachers as the cornerstones of so many people’s lives. Ruth sat at the heart of both her community and school and it has been deeply moving and poignant to work with Ruth’s family and friends.
“It is important that we have meaningful conversations about the wellbeing of school leaders, and we will take action to offer further support.
“With Ofsted, we are working to improve the accountability system, including inspection, ensuring it continues to raise standards while commanding the confidence of school leaders. Some of the changes will be immediate; some will take longer.
“School accountability, including inspection, has a vital role to play in our education system. For the sake of children, teachers, school leaders and parents, it’s essential we get these changes right.”
Julia Waters, Ms Perry’s sister, said: “Ruth’s death has left an aching, unfillable hole in the lives of her family, and the lives of so many others. We should be doing everything we can to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
“I am pleased that the education secretary has shown willingness to listen to the clear concerns of many people about the wellbeing of school leaders, and to consider urgent actions to reform school inspection to prioritise the wellbeing of teachers and school leaders, as well as of pupils and parents.
“We ask that everyone who talks or writes about this issue be mindful of the serious impact that their words may have on others who may be vulnerable. We urge anyone who is affected by these issues to talk about it and seek help.
“The Samaritans offer a superb listening service 24 hours a day for individuals, and lifesaving advice to schools and members of the media who have to respond to cases of suicide.”
An Ofsted spokesperson said: “We’re currently in ongoing, constructive discussions with union leaders, other sector representatives and the DfE about a package of measures to improve some areas of our work with schools. We will be able to say more about this very soon.”
Education Support provides wellbeing support via a free, confidential helpline, 24 hours a day, to all teachers, lecturers and education staff in the UK on 08000 562 561.
Headteachers can also contact Headrest for free, 24/7 wellbeing telephone support on 0800 862 0110.
