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.
