Ofsted has finally had to listen, following the coroner’s report into the tragic suicide of Ruth Perry. Perry was an experienced headteacher who had proudly led her primary school for over 12 years, the safeguarding issue that Ofsted uncovered was administrational and posed no direct threat to the safety of young people. An intensely proud woman was vowed to silence, knowing that a leadership judgement of ‘Inadequate’ was due to be published and that she was to be exposed and laid bare in front of her staff and community. It has taken a suicide to prompt action and Ofsted have finally (read here) understood that they have a duty of care, not only to young people but to the public servants that care for them. Schools should be joyous places and Headteachers should feel confident that Ofsted will work with them to improve their schools, especially in areas where social disadvantage and limited opportunity makes improvement more challenging. Communities want schools to be led in the long term by people who care for and understand them. A culture of collaboration and support, rather than fear and paranoia are the only way to achieve this; let’s hope that this can be achieved!