Commenting as Ofsted publishes its response to HM Coroner's Prevention of Future Deaths report delivered after the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, which represents leaders in the majority of schools in England, said:

“There is no doubt that we have seen a welcome change in tone from Ofsted this year, and this response demonstrates an apparent willingness from the HMCI to listen and work closely with the profession.

“Some of the early actions that Ofsted have taken in response to the coroner’s report are a small step in the right direction. However, much more needs to be done if the inspectorate is to fully address the concerns of school leaders.

“Some of these proposals have the potential to improve certain aspects of inspection, but Ofsted also urgently need start addressing the underlying issues that are causing the stress and pressure on schools, rather just tackling the symptoms.

“This week, school leaders called for a period of ungraded inspections to allow Ofsted to consider the further reform needed for inspections as they resume. We are disappointed this hasn’t been agreed.

“We hope that when the HMCI says that ‘nothing is off the table’ when it comes to the future of inspection, that he really means it.

“NAHT has compiled a thorough report into the changes necessary to make our inspection system fair, proportionate and humane. This includes widespread support from school leaders for the removal of one-word judgements.

“These, and other long-term recommendations for change must be listened to if the education profession is to regain its trust in the inspectorate. We stand ready to help the new HMCI in delivering that change.

“NAHT remains of the view that far-reaching fundamental reform is still required. This must the start of that process, not the end of it.”

Regarding the timing of the report, Mr Whiteman said: “We have been assured by Ofsted that those schools expecting inspection next week will not be expected to read this full report over the weekend. The timing of its release and their inspections will be taken into account.”