Infant school to boycott inspection in memory of a primary head who took her own life following Ofsted downgrade

The action by Flora Cooper, executive headteacher of John Rankin Infant and Nursery School in Newbury, follows a campaign by the sister of Ruth Perry, who took her own life after finding out her school, Caversham Primary, had been downgraded to inadequate. The campaign calls for headteachers to boycott Ofsted inspections until a ‘thorough, independent review has been conducted and changes implemented.’

Also, to ‘refuse inspectors entry to their school or at least refuse to comply with the inspectors’ requests.’

A petition calling for an inquiry into the inspection of Caversham Primary, which took place last November, and for reform of the inspection system has attracted more than 39,000 signatures. The inspection report has yet to be published online.

Cooper tweeted this morning, ‘I’ve just has the call. I’ve refused entry. This is an interesting phone call. Doing this for everyone for our school staff everywhere [sic]!’

The Education Act states that ‘intentionally obstructing an Ofsted inspection is an offence that carries a maximum fine of £2,500.

Schools can request Ofsted deferrals, but they are only granted in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Cooper has also called on other headteachers across the country who want Ofsted reform to join the protest outside the school tomorrow morning, receiving thousands of messages of support.

The National Education Union has criticised Ofsted given the recent events and ‘widespread concerns about leaders’, and called for all inspections to be ‘paused’.

Joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said, ‘Given recent events and widespread concerns about leaders’ wellbeing, it’s the height of insensitivity for Ofsted to be going into schools or colleges this week.

‘Ofsted should pause all its inspections and reflect upon the unmanageable and counter -productive stress they cause for school leaders, and the impact on leaders. This stress is well- documented in literature about Ofsted. That they are phoning leaders this week and initiating inspections speaks to the arrogance of Ofsted and their absolute lack of empathy. The claims by Ofsted to make fair or reliable judgements are not credible and this is part of the immense stress and distress for leaders.

‘This is an agency that is completely out of touch, and which is making claims and judgements which are unreliable. This can’t go on. Ofsted should be concerned about restoring enhanced professionalism to school leaders and education staff but they are not. The NEU believes inspections should be paused.’

Ofsted has refused to comment.

The union is also campaigning for Ofsted to be replaced, and will this week deliver a petition of over 40,000 signatures to the Department for Education calling for the action.