Ofsted inspectors were not given written guidance on modifying inspections where headteachers are under “high levels of stress”, a senior official from the watchdog has admitted during an inquest into Ruth Perry’s death.
However Chris Russell, national director for education, said minimising the pressure on staff during the process was “a core value” of how it trains inspectors.
But he did add that responsibility of the welfare of headteachers as maintained schools belonged with governors and the council.
Berkshire Coroners’ Office in Reading heard that Perry became “tearful” and “looked like she was in pain” during meetings with an inspector when her school, Caversham Primary School, was inspected last November.
