Union threatens legal action after Ofsted fails to pause school inspections

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A school leaders’ union has threatened legal action against Ofsted over its failure to pause inspections in the aftermath of headteacher Ruth Perry’s death. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, said: “The tragic death of Ruth Perry has shone a light on the intolerable pressure placed on school leaders and their staff during Ofsted inspections. “School leaders are determined that this should be a watershed moment and that such a tragedy can never be allowed to happen again.” People attend a vigil for Ruth Perry outside the offices of Ofsted in Victoria, central London, after she took her own life while waiting for a negative Ofsted inspection report NAHT has demanded a reply from Ofsted by 6 April. “Amanda Spielman has met senior NAHT representatives twice in the last week, and she has clearly indicated Ofsted’s willingness to continue having constructive discussions about these issues.” Following Ms Perry’s death, her sister, Julia Waters, remarked that she had experienced the “worst day of her life” after inspectors reviewed the school in November 2022.