Ofsted’s recent changes to the way it inspects schools have been criticized as inadequate in reducing the high levels of stress associated with school inspections, which have been linked to the recent death of a beloved headteacher. The reforms were announced by Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, to alleviate the burden on school leaders, such as Ruth Perry, who committed suicide this year after an inspection downgraded her school from "outstanding" to "inadequate." However, despite the national outcry over Perry’s death, Spielman and the Department for Education have refused to address the labeling of schools with a single overall grade, such as "inadequate."
Perry’s family and teaching leaders have expressed disappointment with Ofsted’s proposals, saying they fall short of the comprehensive overhaul needed to make school inspections fairer and less overwhelming for school leaders. Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, said that the removal of harmful and misleading single-word judgments was not mentioned in the reforms. She added that Perry’s death was not an isolated incident, and she intends for it to be the last such tragedy.
Spielman’s most significant change is that schools rated as inadequate solely because of safeguarding errors can be re-inspected by Ofsted within three months, providing school leaders with the opportunity to rectify issues quickly. Such a policy may have benefited Perry’s school, which would have been rated "good" but for the procedural errors.
Ofsted’s complaints procedures will be accelerated, and schools will be given a broad timeframe of one term to a year for their next inspection, though they will still only receive one day’s notice of the exact date. More support will be offered to school leaders during the inspection process, including the ability to seek advice from a senior inspector.
However, the National Association of Head Teachers’ general secretary, Paul Whiteman, expressed frustration at the lack of urgency and ambition in the proposals. As long as simplistic single-word judgments persist, school leaders will continue to feel unnecessary pressure, he said.
Spielman acknowledged the significant discussion surrounding Ofsted’s work following Perry’s death, stating that the organization is considering how to modify aspects of its work while remaining focused on children’s needs and those of their parents. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan endorsed the changes, and after meeting with Perry’s family and friends, she committed to continuing work to improve school inspections.
Waters said she welcomed any changes that could ease the burden on headteachers, but added that the reforms do not go far enough. Parents, pupils, and teachers deserve a trusted inspection regime that supports schools to provide the best for every child, she said, advocating for an end to "trial by Ofsted."
As a member of the National Education Union, Katy Perry experienced firsthand the negative impact that Ofsted inspections have on teachers’ mental health. To address this issue, Mary Bousted, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union, emphasized the need for "extensive and fundamental changes" to be made to Ofsted’s procedures. Bousted suggested that a more reliable system should be implemented, one that prioritizes fairness and support over constant surveillance and jumping through hoops.
It’s important to note that any individual struggling with their mental health should seek help from a professional. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans offers a free, confidential hotline at 116 123. The organization can also be reached via email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. For international helplines, please visit befrienders.org.
