Ruth Perry’s sister ‘reassured’ by new Ofsted boss

Ofsted’s new chief inspector “understands the extent of change needed” after the death of head teacher Ruth Perry, her sister has said.

Prof Julia Waters had her first meeting with Sir Martyn Oliver on Thursday, in his first week in the role.

She said she felt reassured that he recognised her calls for “radical” and “systemic change” at Ofsted.

Mrs Perry, whose suicide was linked to an inspection by the education watchdog, died on 8 January 2023.

Sir Martyn has paused inspections until later in January, while staff receive training on how to spot signs of stress among teachers during school visits.

He also said there would be a minute’s silence to remember Mrs Perry on the first day of training, which will take place exactly one year on from her death.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast programme on Friday, Prof Waters said she felt “cautiously reassured” that Sir Martyn agreed the extra training should be just the first step towards “much more profound change”.

“What Sir Martyn has said, and what we have been pushing for, is there needs to be really radical change, systemic change, cultural change at Ofsted – and this training is just the start,” she said.

In December, a coroner concluded that an Ofsted inspection of Caversham Primary School, in Reading, had contributed to the suicide of Mrs Perry, 53, as she waited for the publication of a report downgrading her school from outstanding to the bottom category, inadequate.

The coroner said the inspection had “lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity” and was at times “rude and intimidating”.

Speaking to BBC News in his first interview in the job earlier this week, Sir Martyn – who took over from Amanda Spielman as chief inspector on 1 January – said Ofsted had “a difficult job to do”.

“Ultimately we have to be about high standards and say to parents: ‘These are the standards that are being provided’. But I think we can do that in a way that is far more empathetic,” he said.

He said Mrs Perry’s death was a “terrible tragedy and a real shock”.

Prof Waters said Sir Martyn had committed to further meetings with her and with other head teachers who had first hand experience of “traumatic” Ofsted inspections.

She said “hundreds” have been in touch with her in the wake of her sister’s death.

“The extent and the depth of the damage that’s been done by Ofsted inspections over the years is really staggering,” she said.

“It’s a national disgrace, and it needs to be addressed.”