Description
A headmistress has asked people not to go to her school after asking for help with her plan to deny entry to Ofsted inspectors following the death of headmistress Ruth Perry. Ms Perry, who was headmistress at Caversham Primary School in Reading, committed suicide in January while awaiting a report from Ofsted that gave her school the lowest possible rating, her family said. Unions representing headteachers and teachers have called on the watchdog to suspend all inspections this week following the death of Ms Perry.
Earlier Monday, Flora Cooper, chief executive of John Rankin Schools in Newbury, Berkshire, called on people to support her at school Tuesday morning when inspectors arrive.
Hours later, Ms Cooper tweeted: 'Please can't people come to school now in the morning?
“I have to protect our children, our staff and our community. Please, for the protection of our children and staff," he added.
The headmistress had earlier announced that she planned to deny Ofsted inspectors entry to her school and asked for help.
She tweeted: “Just got the call. I declined entry.
"Do this for everyone, for our school staff everywhere!"
He also posted: "Can I get everyone here tomorrow? Would you like to introduce yourself? John Rankin School, Newbury. Who would you support?
Ofsted is understood to be in contact with the school and is trying to resolve the situation.
It comes after Julia Waters said her sister Ms Perry had the "worst day of her life" when inspectors examined the school in November.
She told BBC South the inspection destroyed 32 years of her calling and "tormented her spirit until she couldn't take it anymore".
The inspection report concluded that the school was good in all categories, except leadership and management, where it was judged inadequate.
This case has brought matters to a head and something has to change. We will discuss this with Ofsted as a matter of urgency.
A petition calling for an investigation into the Caversham Primary School inspection has more than 39,000 signatures.
Three unions representing teachers and school leaders have urged Ofsted to suspend inspections this week in light of the news about Ms Perry.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT Directors' Union General Secretary, said: 'Ruth Perry's death is an unspeakable tragedy and it is clear that directors across the country have been deeply affected by the news.
"After speaking with Ruth's family, we know that they are determined that something like this never happens again. It's important that everyone listen to what they have to say."
He added: "While it never takes a tragedy like this to spur action, it should be a defining moment.
“The anger and pain currently being expressed by school staff is palpable. It is essential that all policy makers, including Ofsted, listen and respond.
"Given the strength of sentiment and the need for a quiet period of reflection, Ofsted should suspend inspections this week."
It is a legal requirement that schools and nurseries are inspected by Ofsted and they have a legal obligation to carry out these inspections.
Mary Bousted, Deputy General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said: “Given recent events and widespread concerns about the well-being of leaders, it is the height of callousness for Ofsted to go to schools or universities this week.
"Ofsted should suspend all its inspections and reflect on the unmanageable and self-defeating stress they are causing on directors and the impact on leaders."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "We have seen a tweet from a principal intending to deny entry to an Ofsted inspection team, and that shows very clearly the strength of feeling after the tragic death of Mrs. Perry. death.
“Many school and university heads and their staff find Ofsted inspections and trials very traumatic, often affecting their well-being.
"This case has brought matters to a head and something must change. We will discuss this with Ofsted as a matter of urgency."
The ASCL is also asking the watchdog to suspend inspections this week.
Barton added: "An immediate review of the impact of inspections on the well-being of school and university leaders and staff must be undertaken by Ofsted, and a pause in the inspection cycle would allow a period in which this could happen."
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: "It is a legal requirement that schools and nurseries be inspected by Ofsted and they have a legal obligation to carry out these inspections.
“Inspections are very important as they hold schools accountable for their educational standards and parents rely heavily on ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their children.
"We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Perry on her tragic death and continue to support Caversham Elementary School at this difficult time."
After Ms Perry's death, Matthew Purves, Ofsted's regional director for the South East, said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
"Our hearts go out to Ms. Perry's family, friends and all members of the Caversham Elementary School community."
PA wire
Access
