In its response to the Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report, published following the inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry, the Department for Education (DfE) has said it is ‘committed to avoiding future tragedies’ and will work with Ofsted to review how judgements are made for schools that are found to be inadequate solely on safeguarding grounds, as Ruth Perry’s school, Caversham, was.
It says that where safeguarding issues are shown to have been resolved quickly, no further intervention will take place.
The DfE has also announced plans to review safeguarding guidance and launch a call for evidence in the spring, asking the sector for its views on how to further support school leaders with safeguarding.
Nursery World understands the measures would only apply to schools and not early years settings, however.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said, ‘Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy and the coroner’s findings made clear that lessons need to be learned.
‘That’s why I have worked closely with Ruth Perry’s sister, former colleagues and friends over the past year, to listen and make important changes to inspections with Ofsted to secure a legacy for Ruth.
‘I hope lots of teachers and parents take part in Ofsted’s Big Listen to further evolve inspection practice so Ofsted continues to drive up school standards.’