Ofsted proposals following headteacher Ruth Perry’s death are ‘rehash’ of ‘dangerous’ system, her sister says

Reading: Ruth Perry’s sister is speaking out about Ofsted’s new proposals. She believes they are just a rehash of the old, dangerous system.

Ruth Perry was a headteacher who tragically took her own life in 2023. This happened after her school, Caversham Primary, was downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate.”

The government has scrapped one-word grades. Now, schools will be judged on various areas, like attendance and inclusion, using a five-point color-coded scale.

Professor Julia Waters, Ruth’s sister, is worried. She says the new model keeps many dangerous features of the old system. It could still harm teachers and headteachers.

Ruth’s death was linked to a harsh Ofsted inspection. Julia feels Ofsted hasn’t learned from this tragedy, despite claiming to listen.

A 12-week consultation on the new inspection process has started. This will affect schools for all ages, including further education institutions.

The new report card will replace the old single-word grades. Schools will now be rated as “Exemplary,” “Strong,” “Secure,” “Attention Needed,” or “Causing Concern.”

Current grades will stay valid until schools are inspected under the new model. Safeguarding will be assessed separately, either met or not met.

Inspection areas will increase from four to nine, or ten for schools with a sixth form. These areas include Achievement, Attendance, and Leadership.

Ofsted is training inspectors for these changes. Chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver believes the new report card will help parents understand school performance better.

However, Daniel Kebede from the National Education Union disagrees. He thinks the new grading scale will make things worse, not better.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson supports the changes. She says they will provide more detailed insights into school performance.