Ofsted inspectors did not have specific guidelines on what to do if a headteacher becomes distressed during a review of their school, the inquest into Ruth Perry’s death has heard.
The education regulator is under scrutiny following after headteacher Ms Perry, who ran Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, died in January.
Ms Perry’s family say she took her own life after a report from the watchdog downgraded the school from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.
Giving evidence to the inquest, Ofsted’s national director for education Christopher Russell acknowledged there was no specific written guidance as to what an inspector should do if a headteacher becomes distressed.
He said in defence of inspectors: “We do feel that we train inspectors in a way that expects them to inspect in a way that minimises stress and anxiety.”
Mr Russell also said the watchdog recruited inspectors “who work at a high level in the school system” and who would be experienced with managing stressful situations.
“When we train inspectors we certainly talk about how to manage the situation in a way that reduces stress,” he added.
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Senior coroner Heidi Connor said she wanted to know if it was actually possible to pause an Ofsted inspection or if pausing was a “mythical creature”.
Mr Russell said some inspections were paused last year for concerns such as headteacher illness, stress or broken water pipes.
The inquest previously heard inspectors could pause them for “public health or other reasons”.
Hugh Southey KC, on behalf of Ms Perry’s family, asked the Ofsted official if there was written guidance that inspectors should be aware of the impact of the inspection on headteachers’ mental health.
Mr Russell said that he was “not aware” of any statement to that effect.
The director was also asked if there was written guidance that an inspection could be paused for mental health reasons.
He acknowledged the guidance “does not expressly say that”.
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Read more from the inquest:
Ruth Perry ‘very teary’ after Ofsted report
Ofsted inspector ‘sniggered’ in meeting with headteacher
‘Direct link’ between headteacher who took her own life and Ofsted inspection
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The inquest has heard from staff that there was a “direct link” between Ofsted’s inspection and Ms Perry’s death. They also said they were unaware they could pause inspections.
It also heard that Ms Perry “looked extremely distressed and upset”, and was unable to speak coherently within a few hours of the inspection starting.
Her sister, Professor Julia Waters, previously said the headteacher had experienced the “worst day of her life” after inspectors reviewed her school in November last year.
The primary school’s rating has since been upgraded to “good”.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
