Former Bury St Edmunds headteacher Geoff Barton says ASCL union welcomes Ofsted decision to delay inspections for inspectors to receive mental health training

Education unions have welcomed that Ofsted inspections will be delayed in order to accommodate mental health training for inspectors.

Ofsted’s new chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver has today announced that routine school inspections in the spring term will begin later in January to accommodate mental health awareness training for inspectors in the first week of term.

It comes after school leaders’ unions called for Ofsted inspections to be suspended to allow time for ‘meaningful action to be taken’ following the inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

Of the announcement, former Bury St Edmunds headteacher Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “We welcome this decision and Sir Martyn’s commitment to listening to the profession’s concerns about the current inspection system.

“We look forward to speaking later this week with the new chief inspector in more detail about his plans to respond to the coroner’s report.

“Today’s announcement should pave the way for Ofsted to fully address each area of concern raised by the coroner, but it must also set Ofsted on a path of wider reform in the long term - including the removal of single-phrase judgements.”

Mrs Perry killed herself after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.

Last month, senior coroner Heidi Connor concluded that the Ofsted inspection on November 15 and 16 in 2022 ‘likely contributed’ to Mrs Perry’s death.

Sir Martyn, who started as Ofsted’s chief inspector this week, announced that routine school inspections in the spring term in England will begin later in January.

Next week inspectors will receive training from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England who will then lead a rolling programme of further mental health awareness training for all inspectors.

The new chief inspector will focus on Ofsted’s response to the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Perry, and Sir Martyn will respond in full to the coroner’s findings in the coming weeks.

The Ofsted chief will reach out to parents and education professionals about the watchdog’s approach to inspections as part of The Big Listen which will begin later this term.

Sir Martyn, who used to be chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust (Ogat), said: “Over the last year, since the tragic death of Ruth Perry, our inspections have come under great scrutiny.

“I’m determined that we learn from this to improve the way we work and respond fully to the coroner’s inquest, taking tangible actions to address the concerns raised.

“A lot has been done already, but a lot more can be done now – starting with a robust programme of mental health awareness training for all our inspectors. That begins next week and will become an integral part of how we train and develop our people.

“The materials we use and the changes we have already made, along with much more to come, will be made available for all to see.

“We are determined to bring about a fresh start in the new year to inspire greater confidence in our work among parents and the sectors we inspect and regulate.”

He added: “Along with immediate training on mental health awareness, one of the first things I want to do is listen – to parents, to professionals in the sectors we work with, and to people with an interest in our work.

“We are here for children, their parents and carers – and we will serve them best by working constructively, respectfully and empathetically with the experts who are responsible for their education and care.

“Our people come from these sectors. We understand the pressures they are under – and we will make that clear as we go about our work.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “This announcement shows that the new chief inspector has a greater understanding of the problem. Allowing time for training is a positive signal.

“Next, Sir Martyn needs to agree with the profession immediate steps that will bring sufficient confidence to allow time to develop much-needed long-term reform. I look forward to discussing this with HMCI (His Majesty’s Chief Inspector) this week.”

Former Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman previously apologised on behalf of the schools regulator to the family and friends of Mrs Perry.

She said Ofsted had made changes to reduce pressures felt by school leaders and ‘will do more’ to address concerns raised by the coroner.

– For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.