The family of a teacher who took her own life have claimed that her death was a 'direct result of pressure' she was under due to an Ofsted inspection at her school.
Ruth Perry, who was head at Caversham Primary School, Reading, killed herself in January while awaiting an Ofsted report which gave her school the lowest rating possible, according to her family. While the inspection report gave a 'good' in every category, it provided an 'inadequate' rating for leadership and management.
Ms Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, claimed that some of the Ofsted inspectors made "sensationalist" conclusions "drawn from scant evidence", such as gaps in record-keeping and normal childish behaviour. Ms Perry's family also highlighted that teaching was her "passion and vocation" for 32 years.
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"In our opinion, the findings of Ofsted were disproportionate, unfair and, as has tragically been proven, deeply harmful in their (implied) focus on one individual,” Ms Waters said.
A family statement said: "We are in no doubt that Ruth's death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school. We do not for an instant recognise Ofsted's 'inadequate' judgement as a true reflection of Ruth's exemplary leadership or of the wonderful school she led."
An inquest into Ms Perry's death will take place at Berkshire Coroner's Court later on in the year. Ms Water's stressed that there was 'no doubt' the Ofsted inspectors did not mean to cause any harm, instead blaming the 'fatally flawed system'
"Our only hope is that Ruth’s sudden, appalling death will be the last to occur as a result of the intolerable pressures caused by the Ofsted system,” she added. The family are also calling for a review of the system and to shift focus onto the welfare of teaching staff as well as pupils.
“We support anyone who cares about education in this country and wishes to drive forward rapid, far-reaching change to Ofsted’s punitive regime,” Ms Waters said. “School inspections should be a welcome and positive contribution to improve standards in education. But for this to happen, they need massive reform.
“They need to be genuinely supportive and so to safeguard the health and wellbeing of hard-working, talented, altruistic headteachers and staff.”
Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, called it “the height of insensitivity” for Ofsted to inspect schools or colleges this week. She said: “Ofsted should pause all its inspections and reflect upon the unmanageable and counter-productive stress they cause for school leaders, and the impact on leaders.”
A spokesman for the Department for Education said: "Inspections are hugely important as they hold schools to account for their educational standards and parents greatly rely on the ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their child.
"We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Perry following her tragic death and are continuing to provide support to Caversham Primary School at this difficult time."
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