Jessica O'ConnorOfsted has announced an overhaul of its inspection practices to better support the mental health and well-being of school leaders and staff in England, following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry.
Perry died by suicide in January 2023, shortly after her school, of which she was headteacher, received a downgraded inspection outcome.
The coroner criticised Ofsted for lacking clear procedures to respond to signs of emotional distress during inspections.
In response, Matthew Purves, national director of the Ofsted Academy, laid out the new safeguarding measures now in place and reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to protecting the mental health of those it inspects.
In a letter published today, Purves wrote: “Although our approach was well intended it lacked a clear process.”
The cornerstone of the renewed approach is a set of four objectives aimed at ensuring inspectors are equipped to handle sensitive situations.
These include clear guidance on supporting school leaders during inspections, formal policies on pausing inspections due to mental health concerns, and mandatory awareness training to help inspectors recognise and respond appropriately to signs of distress.
Training has already been delivered across the inspector workforce. In late 2023 and early 2024, all education inspectors participated in sessions focused on identifying stress, building positive relationships, and using new support tools like a national helpline and a designated well-being contact at each school.
Additionally, inspectors were required to complete mental health training led by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFAE), and this training will now form part of the induction process for all new inspectors.
“Every new inspector joining Ofsted understands from day one the importance of mental health,” Purves added.
The organisation has also taken steps to support its own staff. Ofsted now boasts over 140 qualified mental health first aiders, up 20% since the end of 2023.
Feedback from schools inspected since these reforms were introduced has been positive, with many noting a more supportive and empathetic tone during inspections.
That feedback was shared with all inspectors in a February 2025 briefing.
Looking ahead, Purves confirmed that all inspectors will undergo new training in autumn 2025, ahead of the rollout of an updated inspection framework.
He said: “What we have done so far is just the beginning.
“We will integrate mental health topics into all relevant ongoing training.”
