- Ofsted head supports current one-word system
- MPs to investigate the inspection system
- School rated as excellent after principal’s suicide
The head of Ofsted supports the present one-word system, but MPs will probe it in an upcoming investigation.
A school whose principal committed suicide after it was downgraded by Ofsted is now rated as excellent.
Ruth Perry died in January after Caversham Primary School in Berkshire was rated from exceptional to inadequate for safety.
Her family believes that the tension associated with the inspection played a significant role in her passing.
After the disaster, many teachers urged for inspection system modifications and the elimination of one-word grading.
On June 21 and 22, the school was reinspected and rated as acceptable in all categories, the second-highest rating.
According to a copy of the report, efforts “to address previous weaknesses have been swift, exhaustive, and effective.”
“Right after the last inspection, the school sought advice from outside sources,” it continues.
“In particular, this aided leaders in comprehending the full extent of the vulnerabilities in safeguarding arrangements and prioritizing the necessary actions.
The continual and resolute effort has ensured that the enhancements made go above and beyond what was required.
The report mentions Ms. Perry, and according to her sister, it demonstrates how fast Ruth and the school staff turned things around since the November inspection.
Professor Julia Waters said institutions “should be allowed to address any technical flaws before the release of the final report.”
“An inspection should be about helping schools with independent scrutiny, not catching them in the act and publicly shaming them,” Ms. Perry’s sister stated.
“The use of safeguarding as a ‘limiting judgment’ by Ofsted, which supersedes all other strengths and complexities of a school, places headteachers in a position of constant danger.”
Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, has stated that the current one-word system should remain in place. But MPs will investigate it as part of a forthcoming inquiry into the inspections system.
Ms. Spielman also stated that the Caversham report’s initial authors were “professional and humane” in their work.
However, it has announced changes like informing schools of inspection dates and consulting on complaints system modifications.
Schools with an overall “inadequate” rating due to concerns about student safety, but where other measures are rated good or higher, will be revisited within three months.
