‘Insult’ as Ofsted chief at time of tragic head suicide rewarded with peerage | UK | News

Ofsted’s chief inspector when a head teacher took her own life could receive a seat in the House of Lords. Ruth Perry’s sister branded reports of the possible peerage « an insult ». Amanda Spielman oversaw the schools watchdog when Mrs Perry died in 2023 after a report downgraded Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.

An inquest found the inspection had contributed to the head teacher’s death. An independent review into how Ofsted handled Mrs Perry’s death found last year that it had been « defensive and complacent ». Ms Spielman, who served as the chief inspector of the schools watchdog between 2017 and 2023, is reported to have been nominated for a peerage by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. Professor Julia Waters said Ms Spielman’s legacy was « indelibly associated » with her sister’s « terrible, preventable death » and with defending the « inhumane system that led to her death ».

She added: « Through her response to Ruth’s death and the subsequent inquest and inquiries while head of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman showed herself to be lacking in many of the qualities you would hope would be needed in Parliament.

« She showed poor leadership and judgement, a lack of empathy and understanding of the issues, and a tendency to deflect any criticism onto others.

« A record like that should not be rewarded with a place in the House of Lords. Spielman’s nomination for a peerage is a disgrace and an insult to my sister’s memory. »

Earlier this month, Ms Spielman publicly criticised Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The former Ofsted chief said the Bill was likely to make education in England worse and accused Ms Phillipson of being « influenced » by school unions.

Ms Spielman was rebuked by a Government source, who claimed she should « spend less time criticising the reforms this Government is bringing and more time reflecting on her failure at Ofsted ».

A Conservative party spokesman would not comment on reports of Ms Spielman’s nomination for a peerage.

They said: « It would be unfair to comment on whether specific individuals have or have not been nominated or vetted for any honour or dignity. We do not comment on speculation or purported leaks. »

Under the rules around appointments to the House of Lords, Ms Spielman’s nomination would need to be vetted « to ensure the highest standards of propriety ».

For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at josamaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.