Suffolk Head's Association writes letter to Ofsted

Ofsted has come under criticism in the past few days, following the death of Mrs Perry, who took her own life after being downgraded by Ofsted.

Suffolk Primary Headteachers' Association (SPHA) has written an open letter to the governing regulators for education.

Ruth Perry, the headteacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading who took her life in January while waiting for a downgraded Ofsted rating. Credit: PA Wire (Image: PA)

In the letter, they asked Ofsted to have an 'urgent case review, a suspension of inspections and a pledge that work will begin immediately to reform.'

They are also asking Ofsted whether they are enabling schools to be safe, and providing an excellent education for all children.'

It also states: 'Are you a force for good or a coercive and dangerous force, a Damoclean sword hanging over dedicated professionals for months and years on end.'

SPHA suggested initial points that Ofsted could consider.

These include ceasing one-word judgments, but rather outlining areas for schools to work on, considering an agreed timetable for each school which fits individual circumstances, and a complete overhaul of how quality education is judged.

They said the current model is 'faulty and ill-fitting' with child development, and draws on too limited a range of learning theory.

The SPHA is also having a meeting this week, talking about what they can do when inspectors visit schools in Suffolk.

These include displaying a photograph of Mrs Perry at inspections, wearing black armbands and starting inspections with a minutes silence.

Executive director of SPHA, Rebecca Leek, said: "The current system is detrimental to staff.

Rebecca Leek, executive director at Suffolk Primary Headteachers' Association. Credit: SPHA (Image: SPHA)

"We are not suggesting that schools shouldn't be checked.

"We are just asking for an urgent review of how they work."

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Associaton of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said: "Ofsted should undertake an immediate review of the impact of inspections on the wellbeing of school and college leaders and staff, and a pause in the inspection cycle would allow for a period in which this could happen.

"The inspectorate must also commit to giving urgent consideration to reform of the inspection system to make it fairer and less punitive.

"It must look at replacing the current system of graded judgments which reduce everything that a school or college does to a single blunt descriptor.

"These judgments do not do justice to schools and colleges, and negative outcomes are devastating to leaders, staff and communities."

Geoff Barton, general secretary at ASCL. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)