Claims by the Ofsted chief inspector that critics used the death of headteacher Ruth Perry “as a pivot to try and discredit” its work have been described as “grossly insensitive” by the headteacher’s sister.
In an unapologetic parting shot to detractors, Amanda Spielman – who leaves the watchdog next month – also claimed that its role was “poorly understood” and budget cuts had “curtailed” its work, comments school leaders deemed “tone deaf and crass”.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour yesterday, Spielman said there was “no question that there’s a great deal of activity in the sector to create anxiety”.
Her comment followed a new survey by the leaders’ union NAHT, which found 85 per cent of members who responded were “unconfident” in the inspectorate.
