In Memory of Ruth Perry

I wanted to acknowledge the ongoing struggle of UK teachers with the sad recent news of the passing of Caversham Primary School headteacher Ruth Perry, while she waited for a report by UK education authority Ofsted. 

The stress that educators go through during these visits, which the Department of education (DfE) have reminded us on twitter are a legal requirement, can no longer be ignored, with many teachers commenting their own experiences of hair loss, PTSD and emotional trauma. Headteachers acting in solidarity around the UK have removed Ofsted logos and ratings from their websites and several unions are urging Ofsted to reflect on the need for visits in the immediate future and how their practice can put unimaginable stress on education professionals. 

When standards of education are assessed at the detriment of educators' mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than to support the improvement of practice it is our responsibility to stand up and say something. 

Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks grieves with Ruths friends, family and colleagues and stands in solidarity with UK teachers. 

You can sign a petition for there to be an independent in-depth review of Ofsted practices here: https://www.change.org/p/grant-an-inquiry-of-the-ofsted-inspection-at-caversham-primary-school. I'll also put this on the Pod's bio linktr.ee

#lessenthestress