Ruth Perry’s death last year was a tragedy. The headteacher had carried the burden of an Ofsted inspection pretty much alone over the Christmas holiday. The sword of Damocles was no longer dangling by a thread, but hurtling towards her. Perry knew that the inspection report was on its way but only one word mattered: inadequate. Unable to discuss the report openly for fear of incurring the wrath of Ofsted, Perry took her own life on 8 January.

Now Ofsted has paused inspections until assessors have been properly trained to protect the wellbeing of headteachers and their staff. As a teacher, I wonder why it took them so long to work out that the inspection process is too often judgmental, uncaring and unfeeling to the hard work and commitment of those of us who work in schools.

This is not inspection, it is judgment, and it is not good enough

Make no mistake, schools need to be externally inspected.

QOSHE - The trouble with Ofsted - Debbie Hayton
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The trouble with Ofsted

4 1
02.01.2024

Ruth Perry’s death last year was a tragedy. The headteacher had carried the burden of an Ofsted inspection pretty much alone over the Christmas holiday. The sword of Damocles was no longer dangling by a thread, but hurtling........

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