The Department for Education has sent the coroner its response to
the Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report, following
headteacher Ruth Perry’s inquest.
Work is ongoing between the Department, Ofsted, local authorities
and trusts to ensure all headteachers are supported during the
inspection process. There is also a further commitment to ensure
schools and inspectors are aware of the wellbeing help
headteachers can access, including the recently expanded £1.5million
wellbeing support.
Alongside this, the Department is committed to helping to avoid
future tragedies through working with local authorities and
school trusts to ensure that appropriate support is made
available to school leaders following an adverse inspection
result.
The DfE is committed to working with Ofsted to review how
judgements are made for schools that are found to be inadequate
solely on safeguarding grounds, as Caversham Primary School was.
Where the safeguarding issues are shown to have been resolved
quickly, no further intervention will take place.
Safeguarding guidance in the Department will also be reviewed and
a call for evidence will be launched in the spring, asking the
sector for views on how to go further to support school leaders
on safeguarding.
Two years ago, the Department for Education launched
the Education Staff Wellbeing
Charter - a public commitment to the wellbeing and
mental health of everyone working in education.
As part of this, the expansion of the wellbeing support
is new investment to deliver a three-year mental health and
wellbeing support package for school and college leaders,
providing professional supervision and counselling to at least
2,500 leaders. In addition, the Education Support which
provides wellbeing help for school leaders was this year doubled
in size to support an additional 500 heads by March 2024.
Education Secretary said:
“Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy and the coroner’s findings made
clear that lessons need to be learned.
“That’s why I have worked closely with Ruth Perry’s sister,
former colleagues and friends over the past year, to listen and
make important changes to inspections with Ofsted to secure a
legacy for Ruth.
“We are working to ensure inspections keep children safe, whilst
also prioritising the safety and wellbeing of school leaders
serving in our schools through expanded wellbeing support for
leaders.
“I hope lots of teachers and parents take part in Ofsted’s Big
Listen to further evolve inspection practice so Ofsted continues
to drive up school standards.”
