Ofsted ‘setting own homework’ after appointing former chief to lead Ruth Perry review

Get the free Morning Headlines electronic mail for information from our reporters internationally

Sign up to our free Morning Headlines electronic mail

Headteacher Ruth Perry’s sister has hit out at Ofsted for appointing a former chief inspector to lead an unbiased review into to its response to her demise.

In a broadside in opposition to the choice, she referred to as for a “rigorous” inquiry, including: “It could feel a bit like Ofsted has set its own homework and has got an old friend to mark it.”

Her feedback come after the schools’ watchdog introduced former chief inspector Dame Christine Gilbert will perform a review into their response to Ms Perry’s suicide.

The headteacher took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest ranking to its lowest over safeguarding considerations.

In December, a coroner concluded the damning Ofsted inspection in November 2022 “likely contributed” to her demise.

Ofsted stated Dame Christine will lead the unbiased studying review, which was introduced in January in response to the Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report from Ms Perry’s inquest.

Dame Christine was a instructor for 18 years and served as chief inspector at Ofsted from 2006 till 2011.

Responding to the appointment, Ms Perry’s sister Professor Julia Waters stated: “Given that Dame Christine Gilbert is a former Head of Ofsted, we and others will need to be convinced that she has the necessary independence of perspective that is required for the task.

“The review needs to be rigorous and explore Ofsted’s systems, practices and culture in depth if it is to learn the lessons required to lead to significant change. I hope we get that assurance, and I hope she can do what is needed.

“It could feel a bit like Ofsted has set its own homework and has got an old friend to mark it. I hope that isn’t the case. Only a truly independent and deep inquiry will be able to reassure my family, and teachers, parents and others that Ofsted is serious about change.”

She additionally raised considerations in regards to the review’s scope, after Ofsted stated the review wouldn’t study the inspection of Caversham Primary School or the judgments made.

“Much will depend on how Dame Christine interprets the published scope and terms of reference for her review. While it is important that the review has focus and does not drag on unnecessarily, the published terms of reference seem rather limited and limiting,” she added.

“We hope Dame Christine will consider interpreting the terms in a way that provides opportunity to properly review what Ofsted does and how it can improve.

“I look forward to meeting Dame Christine and sharing my family’s experiences and concerns with her.”

NAHT, the college leaders’ union, stated the review have to be unbiased and neutral, noting some might have considerations over it being led by a former Ofsted chief.

General secretary Paul Whiteman stated Dame Christine is a “widely respected and knowledgeable figure in education” with the perception to perform a “comprehensive” review.

“However, it is important to confront head-on the concern that some might express about a former chief inspector reviewing the work of Ofsted,” he added.

“It is therefore crucial that the review demonstrates a robust level of independence and impartiality.”

Dame Christine stated she’s going to take a “detailed and thorough” take a look at occasions from the top of the college inspection to the conclusion of the inquest and can converse with Ms Perry’s household.

She stated: “The death of Ruth Perry was a deeply sad and shocking event. Ofsted has accepted that it is vitally important for it to learn from this tragedy and has asked me to help them do that.

“I intend to take a very detailed and thorough look at all areas of Ofsted’s work – from the moment the Caversham inspection ended, through to the conclusion of the Coroner’s inquest.

“I will scrutinise the approach taken and advise on future actions and revisions needed to improve Ofsted’s policies and processes for dealing with any tragic incident.

“Importantly, I will hear first-hand from the family of Ruth Perry to gain a better understanding of the impact of Ofsted’s work. I would like to thank them in advance for agreeing to engage with my review.”

Current chief inspector of Ofsted, Sir Martyn Oliver, stated: “I am very grateful to Dame Christine for agreeing to lend her valuable experience and expertise to leading this important review.

“She has a wealth of experience in schools, in inspection, and in undertaking a range of reviews. I have no doubt that her insights will help us to reflect on, and learn from, our response to Ruth Perry’s death.

“I look forward to receiving her recommendations for improving our policies and practice. Her review will complement the findings from our Big Listen and help us build an Ofsted that is trusted by the professionals we inspect and regulate, as well as the children, parents and carers we are here to serve.”

Dame Christine, who has taken half in earlier training evaluations in addition to Baroness Casey’s report into the Metropolitan Police final 12 months, will begin her review this month and produce a written report on her findings later this 12 months, Ofsted stated.