The scrapping of single-word Ofsted judgements has been welcomed in Reading after a long campaign.

There have been calls for the government's education inspectorate Ofsted to scrap one-word judgements since the death of Ruth Perry, the former headteacher of Caversham Primary School last year.

In an inquest into her death, it was found that the school being rated 'Inadequate' was a substantial factor in her suicide.

Now the Labour government has got rid of these ratings in favour of a report card system describing the findings of Ofsted inspectors.

Matt Rodda,  Labour MP for Reading, supported the campaign by Ruth's family, teaching professionals and parents in the town.

Welcoming the news, Mr Rodda said: "I am delighted that the new Government has acted swiftly to reform Ofsted and end single word judgements in Ofsted inspection reports.

"The use of single word judgements did not provide a fair and accurate picture and Ofsted clearly needed to be reformed.

"Parents, teachers and the local community will be pleased with these important changes."

Meanwhile, Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire said: "I am delighted that the Government have scrapped with immediate effect the one and two-word OFSTED grading system following the campaign by my constituent Professor Julia Waters.

"The new report card system the Government is introducing has wide support and will provide parents with greater clarity about how schools are doing."

Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, added: "I'm very pleased to hear the government's announcement. It is particularly significant for teachers and parents in Reading, following the tragic death of local headmistress Ruth Perry in 2023.

"I've spoken to many teachers in schools across Earley and Woodley constituency who have found the previous Ofsted grading system overly stigmatising and unhelpful.

"Our new Labour government has listened to teachers and parents here and across the country who have called for this change."

Changes to the Ofsted verdicts were announced by Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Prime Minister on Monday, September 2.

The immediate changes mean overall one or two-word judgements will be scrapped for inspection reports.

The new report card system describing what inspectors have found at a school will be rolled out in September 2025, after a consultation.