Independent reviewer of Ofsted’s response to the death of Ruth Perry: terms of reference
Published 8 April 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
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Introduction
As detailed in the Prevention of Future Deaths report (Regulation 28): Ofsted’s response, we are commissioning an independent reviewer to lead an independent learning review of our response to the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
The independent reviewer
The independent reviewer has been appointed by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) and the Chair of Ofsted (the Chair). The independent reviewer will advise HMCI and the Chair of their findings, including any recommendations for changes to internal policies and processes.
Ofsted will address these recommendations as part of our response to the Big Listen.
Objectives of the review
The independent reviewer will consider whether our internal policies and processes for responding to tragic incidents need to be revised.
In carrying out the review, the independent reviewer will consider:
- the actions Ofsted took in response to hearing about the death of Ruth Perry
- Ofsted’s communications, our engagement with stakeholders and information-sharing within Ofsted (including with the Ofsted board) regarding the incident
- the support Ofsted offered internally to staff, including inspectors, and how our approach was informed by clearly defined policies
The independent reviewer will not be reviewing the judgements or policies relating to the inspection of Caversham Primary School as part of this review.
In tandem with this work, Ofsted will draw on existing practice in the sectors we regulate and inspect to define clearly:
- the circumstances in which we will commission a learning review
- who will carry it out
- how it will be carried out
- our arrangements for publishing and disseminating the lessons learned
The independent reviewer may also wish to make recommendations for Ofsted to consider in doing this wider piece of work.
Scope and expected approach
The independent reviewer will ensure that their findings enable Ofsted to reflect on the response to the death of Ruth Perry. Recommendations should focus on future actions we can take to improve our policies and processes for responding to incidents.
The independent reviewer will receive access to internal Ofsted records (relevant to the scope of this review) and have the opportunity to speak with any member of the Ofsted team they choose. The independent reviewer will record views from the team anonymously, ensuring open and frank evidence is given. Individuals will not be named in any recommendations made by the independent reviewer, enabling open and honest reflection from the Ofsted team.
The independent reviewer will have the opportunity to meet with the family of Ruth Perry to discuss the review.
The independent reviewer will be expected to act in accordance with the 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
The independent reviewer will not disclose the contents of their report before we respond to the recommendations. The recommendations and our response will be made public in our response to the Big Listen.
Outcomes
The independent reviewer will produce a written report of their findings and any recommendations for HMCI and the Chair. The independent reviewer will be mindful of any financial or legislative implications of their recommendations.
To assist with producing the report, the independent reviewer will have a small secretariat of Ofsted staff.
Timeframe
The independent reviewer will begin working in early April 2024. They will report their findings to Ofsted and make any recommendations in time for us to respond as part of the wider Big Listen response in autumn 2024.