School inspections in England will resume from January 22 after all lead inspectors have been given mental health awareness training, Ofsted’s new chief inspector has announced. Sir Martyn Oliver said school and further education (FE) inspections were “paused” for the training after the inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.
Mrs Perry killed herself after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns. Last month, senior coroner Heidi Connor concluded the Ofsted inspection on November 15 and 16 in 2022 “likely contributed” to Mrs Perry’s death.
The resumption date was reached after Sir Martyn held a series of meetings, in his first week in the job, with headteacher unions and representatives, as well as Mrs Perry’s sister Professor Julia Waters. “Inspection plays a vital role in making sure that children and learners are getting the education and care they need and deserve," Sir Martyn said. “So we need to get back to that work as quickly as we can.
“I’ve also been very clear that we must reflect on the findings of the coroner, learn from the tragic events of last year and emerge as a better and more effective inspectorate. That means being trusted by parents and respected by the education and social care professionals we work with.
“We paused school and FE inspections to allow for training to take place. This mental health awareness training is a first step – but for me a critical first step – in reassuring the sectors we work with that we’re serious about change.
