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Ofsted inspection

A guide to Ofsted inspection

What governing boards can expect from inspection, what inspectors look for, and steps to take following an inspection.

Guidance
04/09/2024
someone lookin at overseeing vision reports

Please note: We're working on updating this guidance following the publication of updated Ofsted inspection handbooks on 16 September 2024.

Ofsted is responsible for inspecting maintained schools and academies to make sure that they are providing a high standard of education. Our guide to Ofsted inspection has been developed to help governing boards:

  • know what to expect from an Ofsted inspection
  • understand what inspectors look at and some of the evidence they consult
  • take steps following inspection to support school improvement

Changes to inspection from September 2024

Download the guide to find out about recent changes to Ofsted inspection, including:

  • the removal of single headline grades (schools will still receive grades for the four existing sub-judgement areas) – Ofsted is developing report cards to replace this
  • the removal of ‘deep dives’ from ungraded inspections
  • a revised process for raising complaints and for pausing inspections
  • notice for all routine inspections (graded and ungraded) in the form of a phone call will be given on a Monday with inspections to start on a Tuesday
  • a new pilot approach to safeguarding reporting – school leaders may be given 3 months to resolve safeguarding issues if the school is doing well in all other areas

Note: these changes are subject to updates and additional detail being provided by Ofsted. Further changes are planned, including the introduction of School Report Cards from September 2025.

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