Ofsted inspectors will take a moment of silence in memory of Ruth Perry, the former head teacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading, who tragically committed suicide after an inspection by the education watchdog. The silence will be observed during the training on mental health reforms. Perry’s death, which occurred on 8th January 2023, was linked to her school’s Ofsted inspection.
Sir Martyn Oliver, the new Chief Inspector of Ofsted, met with Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, for the first time to discuss reforms within the organisation. During the meeting, Sir Martyn promised that inspectors would pause for reflection during training on the anniversary of Perry’s death.
In December, Berkshire coroner Heidi Connor wrote to the watchdog, stating that without reforms, there was a risk of future deaths of those subject to Ofsted’s inspections. Perry’s sister had previously complained that the former head of the organisation, Dame Amanda Spielman, did not even send a letter of condolence after Perry’s death. Perry had been reduced to tears during the inspection, according to evidence heard during the inquest into her death.
Sir Martyn has paused inspections until later in January 2023, while staff receive training on how to recognise signs of stress among teachers during school visits. Prof Waters appreciated the Chief Inspector’s emotional response and stated that he genuinely seemed concerned about honouring Perry’s memory
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