Heads to wear black armbands when Ofsted visit after 'sensationalist' rating blamed for suicide

Headteachers plan to wear black armbands during Ofsted inspections after a “sensationalist” rating was blamed for the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

The Primary Headteachers' Association in Suffolk has written to the schools inspectorate saying its members have discussed wearing black armbands and holding a one-minute silence during future Ofsted visits.

The association and national teaching unions have also called for the suspension of Ofsted inspections and a review of the system.

“A member of the headteacher community has died,” the Suffolk association said in a letter to Ofsted.

“We need not remind you, but to eradicate any doubt, we are completely committed to ensuring that schools are safe and that they provide an excellent education for all children.

"However, we ask - are you enabling this? Are you a force for good or a coercive and dangerous force, a Damoclean sword hanging over dedicated professionals for months and years on end?”

Headteachers are calling for the inspectorate to ditch its one-word judgments, from “outstanding” to “inadequate”, and replace them with a few sentences stating what is done well and what can be improved.

'Intolerable pressure'

Ms Perry’s family have said that she was under “intolerable pressure” from Ofsted and was waiting for a report that would downgrade her primary school in Reading from “outstanding” to “inadequate” when she took her own life.

In a statement, they accused inspectors of reaching conclusions that were “sensationalist and drawn from scant evidence”.

Her sister, Julia Waters, has said that the head teacher experienced the "worst day of her life" when inspectors reviewed Caversham Primary School in Reading on 15 and 16 November last year.

The family said in a statement: "We are 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.

"We do not for an instant recognise Ofsted's 'inadequate' judgement as a true reflection of Ruth's exemplary leadership or of the wonderful school she led."

A headteacher in Berkshire yesterday threatened to boycott an Ofsted inspection of her school on Tuesday following Ms Perry’s death.

Flora Cooper, executive headteacher at John Rankin Infant and Nursery School, said she planned to refuse inspectors entry and encouraged people to come to the school for a public demonstration.

However, she later wrote on Twitter that people should not join a protest. “I have to protect our children, our staff and our community,” she said.

'Busy and stressful time'

The Ofsted inspection is now set to go ahead, the local council said.

A West Berkshire Council spokesperson said: "An Ofsted inspection at John Rankin School will now go ahead today following discussions between the parties involved yesterday afternoon.

"We understand that the inspection process can be a busy and stressful time for teachers, governors and school staff.

"As a council, we work closely with all of our schools to support them through the inspection process and address any individual concerns."

Pressure is mounting on the Government and Ofsted to reform the inspection process. A petition calling on Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and Ofsted to make changes has gathered more than 100,000 signatures.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said inspections were a "legal requirement".

'Deeply saddened'

They added: "Inspections are hugely important as they hold schools to account for their educational standards and parents greatly rely on the ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their child.

"We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Perry following her tragic death and are continuing to provide support to Caversham Primary School at this difficult time."

Matthew Purves, Ofsted regional director for the South East, said: "We were deeply saddened by Ruth Perry's tragic death.

"Our thoughts remain with Mrs Perry's family, friends and everyone in the Caversham Primary School community."