A former head of Ofsted is to lead a learning review into the inspectorate’s response to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, prompting concerns from the family about how independent it will be.
Dame Christine Gilbert, who served as Ofsted’s chief inspector from 2006 to 2011, will produce a written report of her findings later this year, it was announced on Monday.
Prof Julia Waters, Perry’s older sister, warned: “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.”
Perry killed herself last year after the school she had led for more than a decade, Caversham primary school in Reading, was downgraded from the highest Ofsted rating of outstanding, to the lowest, inadequate.
“It could feel a bit like Ofsted has set its own homework and has got an old friend to mark it,” Waters added. “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.”
Waters also raised concerns about the published terms of reference, describing them as “rather limited and limiting”. Ofsted said the review would consider the actions the inspectorate took in response to Perry’s death and whether internal policies and processes for responding to tragic incidents needed to be revised.
Gilbert will also look into Ofsted’s communications, engagement with stakeholders and information sharing within the inspectorate about the incident, as well as the support offered internally to staff including inspectors.
She will not, however, look into the inspection itself nor the judgments reached. Berkshire senior coroner Heidi Connor concluded that Perry’s suicide was “contributed to by an Ofsted inspection”. Her death sent shockwaves through the teaching profession, prompting calls for inspection reform.
Gilbert said: “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.”
Gilbert, who is currently chair of the Education Endowment Foundation, spent 18 years in schools as a teacher and secondary headteacher, and has worked in London boroughs as director of education and chief executive.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said Gilbert was a widely respected and knowledgeable figure in education. “We believe that she will have the insight and determination to carry out a comprehensive review of Ofsted’s response to the tragic death of Ruth Perry. However, it is important to confront head-on the concern that some might express about a former chief inspector reviewing the work of Ofsted.”
* In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
