OFSTED inspections don’t represent how good a school is because teachers “go into perfect mode”, Slough readers say.

The education watchdog has received a lot of backlash regarding "brutal" inspections, following the death of Berkshire headteacher Ruth Perry.

Ruth Perry died in January after an Ofsted report found Caversham Primary School in Reading – where Ms Perry was headteacher – to be “good” in every category apart from leadership and management, where it was judged to be “inadequate”.

We asked Slough Observer readers if they think Ofsted inspections give an accurate representation of a 'good' school.

The overwhelming response was 'no' with readers giving opinions as to why Ofsted inspections do not accurately represent a school.

Several readers said the inspections aren’t accurate as “everyone knows when it’s happening”.

Catrina Kingham said: “No, they need to turn up unannounced. A lot of staff then step up their game and do what they are supposed to be doing in front of Osfted.”

Responding to Catrina, Annie Avis, gave an example of this: “I agree. When my own son was in nursery, I saw equipment in the playground never seen before when Ofsted visited. Never saw the equipment again afterwards.”

Ewa Haroon agrees also saying Ofsted “should turn up unannounced”.

Ewa continues: “It should be real as possible, without schools being polished and kids being rehearsed.”

Christopher Burgess added to this point saying: “No because like most audits, everyone will go into ‘perfect’ mode.”

READ MORE: Education Secretary ‘considering urgent actions’ after Ruth Perry's death

Various teachers and school staff commented with their opinions.

Paul Davidson said: "I work in schools so know exactly how they operate. Ofsted inspections do not give an accurate idea of how the school are performing."

Defending teachers, Lisa Burgess said "schools are not failing children, the government is. We are working our socks off."

On the other hand, Slough Observer reader, Ewa Haroon, defended the inspections, saying: "We need a 'body' that can check and control what is happening in schools so our kids will be safe and will receive adequate care."

Ofsted inspections are a “brutal process” and they need to change, the vice-president of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has said.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, is said to be “considering urgent actions” to change the way school inspections operate after Ruth Perry's death.