Inspection to go ahead at Berkshire school where head planned to refuse entry to Ofsted

Flora Cooper had announced her plan to boycott on Twitter

Author: Eleanor Busby and Tim Sigsworth, PA/Ellie CloutePublished 21st Mar 2023
Last updated 21st Mar 2023

A staff member at the John Rankin Schools in Newbury has read a statement to announce that an Ofsted inspection is going ahead at the school today.

The headteacher said she planned to refuse inspectors entry following the death of Ruth Perry.

Flora Cooper, executive headteacher of the John Rankin Schools, in Newbury, Berkshire, had announced plans to boycott an Ofsted inspection on Tuesday.

She announced the plan on Twitter on Monday and posted: "We have to do this! I'm taking the stand!"

Ms Perry, who was head at Caversham Primary School in Reading, took her own life in January while waiting for an Ofsted report which gave her school the lowest possible rating, her family said.

Professor Julia Waters, Ms Perry's sister, said the education watchdog's report was "deeply harmful" in its "implied focus on one individual".

On Monday morning, Ms Cooper had called on people to support her at the school on Tuesday morning when inspectors were due to arrive.

But hours later, the headteacher asked people not to come to her school.

A spokesperson for West Berkshire Council said on Tuesday morning: "An Ofsted inspection at John Rankin School will now go ahead today following discussions between the parties involved yesterday afternoon.

"We understand that the inspection process can be a busy and stressful time for teachers, governors and school staff.

"As a council, we work closely with all of our schools to support them through the inspection process and address any individual concerns."

Two former teachers stood in protest outside John Rankin Infant School on Tuesday morning following the death of Ms Perry.

Liz, a former primary school teacher who was mentored by Ms Perry when the school went into special measures, said: "It is just unimaginable.

"There is not a day where I don't think about Ruth and the loss not only obviously to her family but the entire teaching community.

"She didn't just care and dedicate herself to her school and her pupils, she was also a huge support for schools in the Reading area and beyond.

"She was absolutely brilliant and the pressure and the stress that she was under was immense."

What's the Government saying?

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “It is a legal requirement for schools and nurseries to be inspected by Ofsted and they have a legal duty to carry out those inspections.

“Inspections are hugely important as they hold schools to account for their educational standards and parents greatly rely on the ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their child.

“We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Perry following her tragic death and are continuing to provide support to Caversham Primary School at this difficult time.”

What are Ofsted saying?

After Ms Perry’s death, Matthew Purves, Ofsted’s regional director for the South East, said: “We were deeply saddened by Ruth Perry’s tragic death.

“Our thoughts remain with Mrs Perry’s family, friends and everyone in the Caversham Primary School community.”

Where can I get support?

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