Ofsted has today responded in full to a Prevention of
Future Deaths report issued by HM Coroner ahead of school and
further education inspections being notified next week
Response includes a new policy on pausing an
inspection
A comprehensive listening exercise – the Big Listen –
will include an independent learning review of Ofsted’s response
to the tragic death of Ruth Perry
Ofsted has pledged to always act with professionalism, courtesy,
empathy and respect, in a response to a Prevention of Future
Deaths report issued by HM Coroner last month.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, has today published
Ofsted’s formal response, addressing each of the recommendations
set out by the Coroner following the inquest into the death of
headteacher Ruth Perry.
The letter sets out what action has been taken before and
immediately after the inquest as well as what Ofsted proposes to
do next, including:
- all inspectors trained to recognise and respond to signs of
distress in school leaders
- a clear and simple process for providers who have concerns
about an inspection to speak to an unconnected senior Ofsted
employee
- a new policy on pausing an inspection
- an expert reference group, including external representation,
to look at leader and staff well-being
- appointing an independent expert to lead a learning review of
Ofsted’s response to the tragic death of Ruth Perry
Sir Martyn will also conduct a comprehensive listening exercise,
the Big Listen, across all the sectors that Ofsted works
in.
The Big Listen will be an opportunity to hear directly from
parents, leaders and professionals about Ofsted’s current
approach, the changes being made, and whether more can be done to
protect children, raise standards and improve lives.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:
“As a fellow headteacher, I was shocked and saddened by the death
of Ruth Perry. As the new Chief Inspector, I am determined to do
everything in my power to prevent such tragedies in the future.
We accept the Coroner’s findings and have responded to the
recommendations of her report in full.
“We must carry out our role in a way that is sensitive to the
pressures faced by leaders and staff, without losing our focus on
children and learners. Our critical work helps make sure that
children and learners have the highest quality of education,
training and care. We cannot afford to shy away from difficult
decisions and challenging conversations where they are needed in
the interests of children. I am determined that we get this
delicate balance right.
“We know we still need to do more, and we will do more. Nothing
is off the table, as we hold our Big Listen. I know how important
it is for the sectors we work with, and for parents and carers,
to trust the judgements Ofsted makes. To achieve that aim, we
must go about our vital work with professionalism, courtesy,
empathy and respect.”
Note to editors
Routine school and further education inspections will be notified
from 22 January, following mental health awareness training for
all lead inspectors.
Lead inspectors will talk through the changes announced today
with providers during inspection notification calls next week.
