A hundred headteachers in Salford have called for Ofsted inpections to be halted after a teacher took her own life. In a letter they say of their profession that "an ethic of proud and humble public service is being eroded by a regime of fear and humiliation" conducted by the watchdog.
Ruth Perry took her own life in January, and her sister has said her death was a “direct result” of the "process and outcome" of an Ofsted inspection that saw the school’s rating downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate”. Her family said an inspection at her school - Caversham Primary School in Reading - had turned her into 'an absolute shadow of herself'.
The tragedy has sparked an outcry across the profession, with the National Education Union; school leaders' union NAHT; and the Association of School and College Leaders calling for inspections to be halted.
Now in a strongly worded letter to Ofsted the Salford Secondary Heads and Principals Association has demanded action. The letter was written and sent on behalf of SSHPA by Ben Davis, headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton.
It says they are writing to lend our support to calls to pause inspections and reform Ofsted "in the wake of recent tragic events." It adds that an expression of sorrow from Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, is "a welcome, but insufficient response." The letter adds: "urgent action is required to change the way we inspect schools in England so that further damage is prevented to staff wellbeing, morale, recruitment and retention and, ultimately, to young people’s school experience."
The letter says: "As an experienced and diverse group of over 100 headteachers and principals we have seen the impact of the current inspection and accountability system on schools, staff, pupils and communities. All of us recognise the need for, and welcome, intelligent accountability at local and national levels.
"However, in its current form it is fraught with variability; hinders sustainable school improvement; discourages people from working in schools (particularly at senior level); creates unintended and distorting incentives; and is a real threat to the wellbeing and mental health of school leaders and staff more widely. An ethic of proud and humble public service is being eroded by a regime of fear and humiliation.
"This is not how schools or lives are improved, nor should it be. It is unacceptable that the pressure of an impending inspection (or the outcome of one) should make committed professionals ill or worse. We support the view that it is time for change: specifically, for the removal of reductive, single- phrase gradings.
"In addition, we call for the reform of the inspectorate so that it adopts a strengths-based approach that works with schools, not against them; is less bound by rigid adherence to ideology; and is more attuned to the differences between sectors and the distinct contexts of each setting. There are better, more sophisticated, more humane ways, to hold us to account.
"Now is the time, as schools are dealing still with the impact of CovieNow is the time, as schools are dealing still with the impact of Covid, for a period of reflection. There is a valuable chance to listen to the voices of young people, parents, carers and school staff who are calling for a better way of working. The response of schools to the pandemic has reinforced the unique role they play in communities and the appreciation with which they are viewed by society.
"If Ofsted must continue in its current form it should refocus on the humanity of its mission to ‘improve lives’ by working in partnership with schools, rather than seeking to define the school system through compliance and scrutiny. Schools and colleges are assets to be nurtured and developed through support and challenge. Judgment alone is insufficient, especially when it is prey to the whims of policy-making. We deserve accountability that is respectful, appreciative and compassionate, acknowledging the best of what we do and assisting us in our efforts to improve."
Mr Davis told the Manchester Evening News: "Normally secondary and primary schools work separately. But in relation to this letter it represents heads from both and indicates a strong sense of collaboration. There are unintentional consequences of Ofsted's inspections. They are very scrutinising and the stakes are very high. Communities feel judged by poor outcomes which do not dwell on the best apsects of a school.
"Now is a time for change. Ofsted have not been taking into account the impact of the pandemic in terms of the affect on the mental health of pupils and staff and the resulting poverty from the pandemic and what has been going on recently with the economy. Schools are on the front line when dealing with these issues, yet with dwindling resources."
Ofsted declined to comment on the letter sent by the Salford headteachers, but referred to an earlier statement issued by its Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman.
In that statement Mrs Spielman said: "Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy. Our thoughts remain with Ruth’s family, friends and the school community at Caversham Primary. I am deeply sorry for their loss.
"Ahead of the coroner’s inquest, it would not be right to say too much. But I will say that the news of Ruth’s death was met with great sadness at Ofsted. We know that inspections can be challenging and we always aim to carry them out with sensitivity as well as professionalism. Our school inspectors are all former or serving school leaders. They understand the vital work headteachers do, and the pressures they are under. For so many colleagues, this was profoundly upsetting news to hear.
"This is unquestionably a difficult time to be a headteacher. School leaders worked hard during the pandemic to keep schools open and give the best education they could, while keeping vulnerable children safe. Since then, some children and families have struggled to readjust to normal life, and schools have had to respond with care and determination. School absence is high, mental health problems have increased, and external support services are unable to meet increased demand.
"The sad news about Ruth has led to an understandable outpouring of grief and anger from many people in education. There have been suggestions about refusing to co-operate with inspections, and union calls to halt them entirely.
"I don’t believe that stopping or preventing inspections would be in children’s best interests. Our aim is to raise standards, so that all children get a great education. It is an aim we share with every teacher in every school."
