Ofsted inspections ought to be briefly carried out ungraded to permit the watchdog to concentrate on reform after the loss of life of headteacher Ruth Perry, a faculty leaders’ union has mentioned.
Inspections have been suspended to permit psychological well being coaching to be put in place following Mrs Perry‘s suicide – however will resume on Monday.
Sir Martyn Oliver, who took over as Ofsted boss at first of the 12 months, mentioned that for a brief interval solely emergency safeguarding visits would happen.
He made the announcement after a coroner concluded an inspection “likely contributed” to Mrs Perry’s loss of life in January final 12 months.
She took her personal life after Caversham Primary School in Reading was downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate”.
The watchdog grades on a four-point scale – excellent; good; requires enchancment; insufficient.
School leaders’ union NAHT is urging Ofsted to hold out ungraded inspections for an interim interval to permit time for the watchdog to work on longer-term reform.
A survey by the union of 1,890 faculty leaders in September and October discovered simply 3% backed Ofsted’s grading system.
Almost two thirds (64%) mentioned inspectors ought to report their findings in a brief abstract of strengths and weaknesses.
A report by the union additionally calls on Ofsted to instantly create a method for college leaders to cease an inspection when the inspector’s conduct or follow fails to satisfy required requirements.
Other suggestions embrace extending the discover colleges obtain forward of an inspection to 48 hours.
‘Desperate want for reform’
NAHT normal secretary Paul Whiteman mentioned: “The tragic case of Ruth Perry last year shone a bright light on the desperate need for Ofsted reform.
“It has been immensely irritating that the issues of the schooling occupation and warnings raised by the NAHT for therefore a few years have fallen on deaf ears.”
He praised Sir Martyn for a “welcome change in attitude”, calling it a “chance to be bold and to stop and think about how we want school inspection to operate in this country”.
“Now really is the moment for change,” mentioned Mr Whiteman.
“It is time to create a fair, proportionate and humane system of inspection that works for schools, pupils and parents alike.”
Sir Martyn mentioned Ofsted would reply in full by Friday to the prevention of future deaths report issued by the coroner at Mrs Perry’s inquest.
The headteacher’s household blamed her loss of life on the “deeply harmful” stress of the inspection in November 2022.
The faculty was upgraded to “good” in July final 12 months.
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An inquiry in November mentioned Ofsted was seen as “not fit for purpose” and had “lost the trust of the teaching profession and increasingly of parents”.
It discovered the watchdog had a “detrimental impact” perceived by some to be “toxic” and demanded “transformational change”.
Former Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman final month apologised to Mrs Perry’s family and friends.
“On behalf of Ofsted, I would like to say sorry to them for the distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection,” she mentioned.
“After Mrs Perry’s death, we made changes to the way we work, to help reduce the pressure felt by school leaders. We will do more… and we are starting that work straight away.”
:: 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”