Group Set Up To Campaign For Change Following Death Of Headteacher Ruth Perry

Campaigners have instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate a potential legal challenge against Ofsted’s procedures following the death of a headteacher. 

An online campaign group, Fair Judgement, has been set up “to support school leaders and families”. It aims to challenge what it says are the education watchdog’s “unfair practices and their devastating impact on schools.”
 
It follows the death of Ruth Perry, who was head of Caversham Primary School in Reading. Ms Perry, a teacher of 32 years, died while awaiting an Ofsted report which downgraded her school’s rating.

Education law lawyers advising Fair Judgement group

The group, led by John Bald, a former Ofsted inspector, has asked specialist education law and human rights lawyers at Irwin Mitchell for advice on whether there are grounds to bring a legal challenge against Ofsted’s inspection process. The campaign group is gathering a wide range of evidence for a legal challenge against Ofsted.

Yogi Amin is the national head of education law at law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is advising the group.

Expert Opinion

“The issue of Ofsted inspections and the processes schools and school leaders have to go through has never been in sharper focus than it is now.

“Unfortunately at present many school leaders feel that complaining to Ofsted about an inspection they deem to be unfair will not result in any positive outcome. They also to have consider the squeeze on school budgets. If a school thinks their Ofsted rating is unfair, what school governing body under budget constraints is going to justify a legal challenge against such a decision?

“The serious concerns raised about Ofsted prompt a question over whether Ofsted’s policy and guidance on the inspection of schools is legally flawed.

“The campaign group feels strongly that the Ofsted inspection and reporting process needs to change to be fairer and more balanced. We’re now advising the group on possible next steps.” Yogi Amin

Crowdfunding appeal launched by campaigners

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched by the group to help fund a potential legal challenge. More information about Fair Judgement's campaign and on how to make a donation can be found on its crowdfunding website.

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