Ofsted is to call on schools to “pause” inspections that seem to adversely affect the mental wellbeing of their staff, as part of its formal response to the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. The inspectorate is also planning to consider overhauling how it inspects and grades safeguarding, involving families and teachers in its consultation. By Richard Adams, The Guardian. 

Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofted's chief inspector, has issued a heartfelt apology for the watchdog’s role in the death of Ms Perry. Sir Martyn said: “Such tragedies should never happen again, and no one should feel as Ruth did.” By Lucas Cumiskey, Schools Week.

In his first national newspaper interview since taking over the role of head of Ofsted earlier this month, Sir Martyn tells The Times: “The ultimate test is Ofsted wants to be the most trusted brand that parents go to, to decide that’s the quality provision for their child.” By Nicola Woolcock. 

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, education crisis communications expert and former director of external relations at The Heads' Conference (HMC) Sue Bishop offers advice to independent schools on how to minimise risk should they be asked to comment on this year's "culture wars". When speaking about issues such as VAT on school fees, Ms Bishop explains: "It’s always advisable to have clear channels and policies for handling journalists’ inquiries, including outside of school hours, recognising the often very tight deadlines set by media outlets."

Schools will have to report the number of children with Down syndrome they teach as part of a new law coming into effect from January 2025. Conservative MP Sir Liam Fox previously urged ministers to add the condition as a separate category to the school census, which presently has 13 categories for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but not one for Down syndrome specifically. The DfE has announced the change today as part of its commitment "to improving the life outcomes and opportunities for people with Down syndrome, to identify good practice and shape long term services". By Samantha Booth, Schools Week. 

In response to a question by Tes, the Department for Education (DfE) has admitted that surveys to assess the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in schools are ongoing. Some follow-up visits to check harder-to-reach areas have yet to be completed, although officials did not confirm or deny whether these include physical school visits. By Jasmine Norden.

With temperatures dropping and more snow forecast in some areas, iNews considers how cold it needs to be for schools to close. By Joanna Whitehead. 

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