At the start of this year Ofsted updated its policy to allow for temporary pauses in inspections.
The change initially applied to state-funded schools only but in March was extended to all provision inspected by the regulator.
The move is among changes to policy and practice following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life after her school was downgraded. An inquest found an Ofsted inspection was a contributory factor.
Ofsted has since revised its complaints procedure, introduced mental health training for inspectors and launched its “Big Listen” exercise to gather views of services and professionals.
Inspections can be deferred for a variety of reasons but updated guidance now allows for a temporary halt in “exceptional circumstances” including where there are concerns about a leader’s wellbeing (see box).
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