Mark Whitehead 12 June 2023

Ofsted announces shakeup after suicide

Ofsted announces shakeup after suicide  image
Image: Colin Burdett / Shutterstock.com.

The system for inspecting schools in England is facing a shakeup after the suicide of head teacher Ruth Perry led to calls for reform.

Ofsted will revisit schools graded inadequate over child welfare within three months and there will be an overhaul of its complaints system.

However, Prof Julia Waters, Mrs Perry's sister, said the move was a start but that far bigger changes were needed, and the National Association of Head Teachers' said the system was still fundamentally flawed.

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman defended the one-word ratings system that Ofsted uses and said it was down to the Government to make any changes to the way ratings work.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan said the changes were 'a really important step'.

From September schools will also be given more detail of what exactly is expected in measures to keep children safe, which include keeping good records and training staff to deal with concerns

Ofsted said it was listening to concerns 'without losing our clear focus on the needs of children and their parents'.

Ms Spielman said one of the changes announced by Ofsted was to change the language of reports so that it wasn't over-focused on the head and senior leaders.

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner