Ofsted bows to pressure and halts inspections after Ruth Perry’s suicide

Martyn Oliver said responding to Ruth Perry’s death was a critical moment for the inspectorate and that Ofsted needed to make a ‘fresh start’. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

Ofsted inspections will be halted until assessors have been properly trained in protecting the wellbeing of school staff, the watchdog’s new chief has announced, after a headteacher’s suicide.

Martyn Oliver becomes the chief inspector of education in England on Tuesday, and has pledged to launch an inquiry into Ofsted’s involvement in the death of Ruth Perry.