Southampton chiefs will be helped deal with 'Ofsted tensions' with new plans named after Ruth Perry's school
Southampton chiefs will be helped deal with 'Ofsted tensions' with new plans named after Ruth Perry's school
School leaders in Southampton have launched a new support network to “support each other through the burden of testing”.
The heads of the Ofsted “window”, called ‘Caversham Covenant’ in honor of head Ruth Perry, will gain a “friend” so they “know there is someone they can talk to before, during and after an inspection”.
Other support includes a list of staff with Ofsted experience who can be contacted to raise concerns about the conduct of inspections.
It will also “understand that in the case of a negative Ofsted inspection the primary solution is to support the responsible officer and current leadership team to address the issues giving rise to concern”.
Caversham was the name of the Berkshire primary school led by Perry, who died by suicide. The coroner ruled that Ofsted inspections played a role in her death.
The covenant is described as “a public declaration of how all parties can work together to support each other.”
Southampton City Council will meet school leaders from local maintained schools, trusts and unions at an event today to sign the contract before sharing it with schools.
Elizabeth Salisbury, NAHT regional director for South Central, said: “This is a brilliant and encouraging move for local education leaders in Southampton to come together and do what they can to alleviate the damaging burden that Ofsted inspections can place on schools. . The school's principal and leadership team.
“Earlier this year we heard encouraging words from new chief inspectors across the country promising change, but there are local schools in Southampton’s Ofsted ‘window’ that still need support. now.
“It’s great to see education leaders stepping up to help themselves and working with local authorities and elected officials to improve the situation as best they can.”
Ofsted inspections are due to resume this week after a brief pause so inspectors can receive training on mental health wellbeing.
Those involved in the contract are: Aspire Community Trust, Bridge Education Trust, Reach Co-operative Trust, Southampton Co-operative Learning Trust, Southampton Local Authority, Southampton Council, School Leaders Association NAHT, Southampton NEU, Southampton NASUWT and Primary Heads. Conference and Southampton assistant head groups.