The obituary notice of Patricia Dorothy HOLWILL (Nee Bennett)

So sorry to hear the news of Pat’s passing.
She came to my Primary School in her role as an Ofsted inspector in 2006 and was so encouraging of our work.we remained friends, mainly communicating by email.
She was a genuinely caring lady, understanding the needs of children so she performed her role positively, encouraging both myself and my staff.
December 2022 was the first time I did not receive a card or email since 2006 so I knew something had happened - and found her obituary on-line. She was always inviting me to visit her, and I so wish I had done so.
I will be eternally grateful for the encouragement and support she gave me when the next team of Ofsted inspectors reversed her assessment of our school. She rated us outstanding and child centred, and my staff inspirational. Just three years later we endured a very different inspection by a team who had no understanding of children and who labelled us as a special measures school, something which was totally out of kilter with the view of HMI, local advisers and parents. This team were bullies and I eventually received an apology from the Chief Inspector - but no change to the report. Pat was horrified and did so much to support me and rebuild my confidence.
A lovely lady - I will miss our email exchanges.
My sympathy to her family.
Sybil M Camsey
Bexleyheath, Kent.