Jonathan and Lucy discuss the situation with Ofsted in light of the devastating news about Ruth Perry, the headteacher who tragically took her own life after an Ofsted inspection. They share what they feel needs to change from their own experience, and what leaders are saying needs to change and why.
Jonathan and Lucy are both experienced school leaders with over 15 years of experience each.
Jonathan Coy, BA (QTS) Hons NPQH FCCT
As an experienced headteacher, trustee, deputy CEO of an academy trust, governor, and school leader for many years, Jonathan Coy now works as CEO of HeadteacherChat, a qualified coach, and education consultant. Jonathan is also a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching. He is a regular speaker about school leadership during webinars and podcasts.
Lucy Coy, BA (QTS) Hons, NASENCO, MCCT
Lucy is also an experienced school leader and has served as an Acting Headteacher, a Deputy Headteacher, an Assistant Headteacher, and an Inclusion Lead. Lucy played a key role in leading a school from Special Measures to Good in less than a year, and her work was recognised by Dame Alison Peacock, who invited Lucy to contribute to her book, ‘Assessment for Learning Without Limits.’ Lucy now creates school leader planners and serves as joint CEO of HeadteacherChat™, offering consultancy and marketing advice for education companies. Lucy is also a member of The Chartered College of Teaching.
They discuss:
- The mental health and wellbeing of leaders before, during and after an inspection
- The overly simplistic nature of the Ofsted grading system and the need for a more nuanced approach to assessing the quality of schools.
- The call for an annual safeguarding inspection that focuses on the safeguarding policy and procedures.
- The need for a more supportive and collaborative approach to accountability, including more training and resources for inspectors and support mechanisms for school leaders and the community.
Link to our letter we sent to OFSTED.
