There was a “direct link” between Ofsted’s inspection of Caversham Primary School and headteacher Ruth Perry’s loss of life, workers on the college have instructed an inquest.
Ms Perry’s household say she took her personal life in January after the college in Berkshire went from excellent – the best score – to insufficient because of safeguarding considerations.
Clare Jones-King and Joanne Grover, performing co-headteachers at Caversham, gave proof to the inquest at Berkshire Coroner’s Office.
They had been each current within the college through the inspection, the inquest heard.
When requested by senior coroner Heidi Connor in the event that they believed there was a “direct link” between the Ofsted inspection and Ms Perry’s psychological well being “deterioration” and “death”, they each answered: “Yes”.
Ms Jones-King instructed the inquiry they had been “very concerned” concerning the headteacher through the inspection however had been frightened that any actions they took might affect the headteacher’s welfare, in addition to the end result of the inspection.
Ms Grover mentioned there was a “power imbalance” through the inspections.
She added: “The only thing that I would like to say is that it is very difficult in the position of a school leader to challenge, stop, ask, when we are in the middle of an Ofsted inspection.”
The inquest beforehand heard proof from lead Ofsted inspector Alan Derry, who mentioned it was potential to pause inspections, however he admitted he had by no means finished so.
Mrs Jones-King mentioned she was unaware of this chance.
She additionally described a gathering she attended between Ms Perry and Mr Derry on the primary day of the inspection the place she mentioned she was interrupted whereas talking by the inspector.
“At one point there was a hand lifted up to stop me speaking,” she mentioned
She described the assembly as “unpleasant”, referring to Mr Derry’s “hand gestures” and “tone of voice”.
Ms Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, beforehand mentioned the headteacher had skilled the “worst day of her life” after Caversham’s evaluation.
The main college’s score has since been upgraded to “good”.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can name Samaritans for assistance on 116 123 or e-mail [email protected] within the UK. In the US, name the Samaritans department in your space or 1 (800) 273-TALK
Source: information.sky.com”