Headteacher’s death was ‘directly linked’ to Ofsted inspection after school was downgraded
A HEAD teacher’s death was directly related to an Ofsted inspection, an inquest heard yesterday.
Ruth Perry’s family say she took her own life after her school was downgraded over safeguarding concerns.
The acting co-heads at Caversham Primary in Reading were asked if there was a “direct link”.
Clare Jones-King and Joanne Grover both answered: “Yes."
Ms Jones-King said they were “very concerned” about Ms Perry during Ofsted’s visit.
And Ms Grover claimed there was a “power imbalance” during inspections.
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Alan Derry previously suggested the audits can be paused.
But Ms Jones-King told the Reading hearing: “It wasn’t something I was aware of.”
She also said a meeting with Mr Derry had been “unpleasant”.
The inquest continues.
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