Pressure mounts on Ofsted as school staff show solidarity with late headteacher

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I think that Ruth’s death, that tragedy, has given people courage to speak out about things that they have been concerned about for a very long time.” Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “This shows the strength of feeling among leaders and teachers over the death of Ruth Perry and the desperate need for reform of an inspection system which is far too harsh and punitive.” On Tuesday, some teachers at John Rankin School walked out to the school gates for a photograph wearing black armbands, and then later on executive headteacher Flora Cooper welcomed pupils also wearing a black armband. Liz, a former teacher mentored by Ms Perry who held a placard saying “RIP Ruth” outside the Newbury primary school, said the inspection process caused “incredible amounts of stress”. Ms Waters said: “We are in no doubt that Ruth’s death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school.” The family rejects Ofsted’s judgment of Ms Perry’s leadership and they are calling for the system to be reviewed and changed to focus on the welfare of teaching staff and pupils. We are in no doubt that Ruth's death was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of an Ofsted inspection at her school Professor Julia Waters, sister of Ruth Perry Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “There is clearly an extremely strong sense of hurt and anger amongst school leaders, and a determination that urgent reform is required when it comes to school inspection.