Unions call for immediate pause to Ofsted

Safeguarding concerns saw Caversham Primary School, in Reading, downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate”, after Ofsted’s visit, in November 2022.

Mrs Perry, who had been the school’s head for 13 years, killed herself while waiting for the report to be published.

The school has since been regraded “good”.

At the conclusion of the inquest, the coroner also issued a prevention-of-future-death notice (PFD), setting out areas of concern, to prevent similar situations.

Anyone receiving a PFD has 56 days to say how they plan to mitigate the risk of future deaths.

Mr Barton and Mr Whiteman said: “It is important that we have clarity from Ofsted about a plan and timetable to address each area before further inspections take place.

“This is vital in reassuring schools and colleges that appropriate steps are being taken to protect and support the welfare of education staff.”

They did not set out their own timetable for the pause but said one was necessary for schools and colleges to have “even a modicum of confidence” in Ofsted. And they had shared their concerns with Sir Martyn Oliver, who takes over from Ms Spielman in January.