Commenting on the publication of Reading Borough Council’s Independent Learning Review report into the support it provided to Ruth Perry and staff at Caversham Primary School during their Ofsted inspection in 2022, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:

“NASUWT appreciates Reading Borough Council’s desire to look inward and make improvements after the death of head teacher Ruth Perry.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that employers are equipped to recognise and assess the stress and anxiety that can come with inspection, and are properly resourced to provide necessary support to all school staff.

“It is also clear that the damaging consequences of single word inspection judgements and the threat of forced academisation and rebrokering following an Inadequate inspection judgment must also be addressed.

“It is often unclear whether the local authority, governors, or a combination of both should take the lead to protect the welfare and wellbeing of headteachers and other staff. This confusion can cause delays to support and can put the health and safety of employees at risk. Every employee has a right to know that their employer will fulfil their legal duty of care towards them in a timely and effective manner, whether during or after an inspection or at any other time.

“We support the call for a critical incident policy to be in place for every school. Employers will benefit from appropriate support to develop and implement these policies competently and effectively.”