The sister of headteacher Ruth Perry has slammed Ofsted for appointing a former chief inspector to lead an independent review into its response to her death.

She strongly opposed the decision, calling for a “rigorous” investigation, adding: “It may be a bit like Ofsted themselves giving the homework and asking an old friend to mark it.”

Her comments came after the schools watchdog announced former chief inspector Ms Christine Gilbert would conduct a review of their response to Ms Perry’s suicide.

The headteacher committed suicide after an Ofsted report downgraded Caversham Primary School in Reading from the highest rating to the lowest rating due to safety concerns.

In December, the coroner concluded that an Ofsted inspection in November 2022 “likely contributed” to her death.

Ofsted said Ms Christine would lead the independent learning review, which was announced in January in response to the coroner’s report into preventing future deaths from Ms Perry’s inquiry.

Dame Christine worked as a teacher for 18 years and was Ofsted Chief Inspector from 2006 to 2011.

Responding to the appointment, Professor Julia Waters, Ms Perry’s sister, said: “Given that Ms Christine Gilbert is the former head of Ofsted, we and others need to be confident that she has what it takes to complete this task. necessary independent perspective.

“The review needs to be rigorous and delve deeply into Ofsted’s systems, practices and culture if the lessons needed to lead to significant change are to be learned. I hope we get that assurance and I hope she can do what needs to be done.

“It feels a bit like Ofsted themselves have given the homework and asked an old friend to mark it. I hope that is not the case. Only a truly independent and in-depth investigation can reassure my family, teachers, parents and others that Ofsted is taking it seriously. Transformative.”

She also raised concerns about the scope of the review after Ofsted said it would not look at the inspection or the sentence handed down at Caversham Primary School.

“Much will depend on how Ms Christine interprets the published scope and terms of reference of her review. While it is important that the review is focused and not unnecessarily delayed, the published terms of reference appear to be quite limited,” she added.

“We hope Ms Christine will consider interpreting these provisions in a way that provides an opportunity to properly scrutinize what Ofsted is doing and how it can be improved.

“I look forward to meeting Mrs. Christine and sharing my family’s experiences and concerns with her.”

School leaders’ union NAHT said the review must be independent and impartial, noting that some may have concerns about it being led by a former Ofsted chief.

Secretary Paul Whiteman said Ms Christine was a “well-respected and knowledgeable figure in the education community” who had the insight to conduct a “comprehensive” review.

He added: “However, it is important to confront the concerns some may have about the former chief inspector’s review of Ofsted’s work.”

“It is therefore vital that the review demonstrates a high degree of independence and impartiality.”

Ms Christine said she would be “detailed and thorough” about the events from the end of the school inspection to the end of the investigation and would speak to Ms Perry’s family.

She said: “The death of Ruth Perry is a deeply sad and shocking event. Ofsted recognizes that it is vital that lessons are learned from this tragedy and asked me to help them do this.

“I intend to carry out a very detailed and thorough review of all areas of Ofsted’s work – from the moment the Caversham inspection ends, right through to the end of the coroner’s inquest.

“I will carefully review the approach taken and make recommendations on the actions and revisions required in the future to improve Ofsted’s policies and procedures for dealing with any tragic incident.

“It is important that I will hear first-hand accounts from Ruth Perry’s family to better understand the impact of Ofsted’s work. I would like to thank them in advance for agreeing to take part in my review.”

Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s current chief inspector, said: “I am extremely grateful to Ms Christine for agreeing to use her valuable experience and expertise to lead this important review.

“She has extensive experience of schools, inspections and conducting a range of reviews. I have no doubt her insights will help us reflect on and learn from our response to Ruth Perry’s death.

“I look forward to receiving her advice on improving our policy and practice. Her review will complement our Big Listen findings and help us build a community of professionals who are inspected and regulated by us and the children, parents and carers we serve. Ofsted is the company trustworthy.”

Ofsted said Ms Christine had been involved in previous education reviews and Baroness Casey’s report to the Metropolitan Police last year, which she would start this month and write up on its findings later this year. A written report.