Education unions have called for Ofsted inspections to be suspended following the death of a school principal.
Ruth Perry, Headmistress at Caversham Primary School in Reading, committed suicide while awaiting the publication of a report that downgraded her school from ‘outstanding’ to ‘poor’.
The National Education Union and school leaders’ union NAHT have both called for inspections to be temporarily halted.
Ofsted was contacted for comment.
Ms Perry’s family said the 53-year-old described November’s inspection as the worst day of her life.
Her sister Julia Waters has called on the schools to “boycott Ofsted”.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “It is clear that school leaders across the country are under unbearable pressure from the current approach.
“It can’t be right that we treat committed professions like this. Something has to change. While it should never require a tragedy like this to trigger action, this must be a turning point.
“The anger and pain being expressed by school staff at this time is palpable. It is important that all policy makers, including Ofsted, listen and respond.
“Given the strength of the sentiment and the need for a quiet period of reflection, Ofsted should pause inspections this week.”
dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Given recent events and widespread concerns about the well-being of leaders, it is the pinnacle of insensitivity for Ofsted to go into schools or colleges this week.
“Ofsted should pause all of his inspections and reflect on the uncontrollable and counterproductive stress they cause for principals and the impact on leaders.”
A petition urging Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman to review the inspection and make changes to the inspection system has garnered more than 40,000 signatures so far.
In the report on the Ofsted website, seen by the BBC but yet to be published, the regulator gave the school a ‘poor’ rating, the lowest rating.
Matthew Purves, Ofsted Regional Director for the South East, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
“Our thoughts remain with Ms Perry’s family, friends and everyone in the community at Caversham Primary School.”
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