The revised Ofsted inspection framework has failed in its aim to improve the wellbeing of Heads and their staff, according to an independent survey of 100 schools to experience the new regime, published on 22 June. The vast majority of Heads offered negative comments about their inspection. These included: “I’m determined to retire before the … Continue reading What Heads Really Think About Ofsted: Urgent improvement needed
Tag: Inspection
Ofsted Inspection materials updated ahead of September 2026
Ofsted has today published the first of our annual updates to the education inspection toolkits and operating guides. Find out more here.
NAHT loses appeal against Ofsted judicial review refusal
This Schools Week article reports on the outcome of the NAHT appeal against Ofsted. The new Ofsted inspection regime is highly unpopular amongst educators - they report that the renewed framework is increasing the burden on senior staff. The new inspections, which began this month with volunteer schools, involve settings being judged with one of … Continue reading NAHT loses appeal against Ofsted judicial review refusal
Martyn Oliver’s speech at the 2025 Association of Colleges Annual Conference
Anybody with an interest in the new Ofsted inspection scheme should read Ofsted CEO Martyn Oliver's speech where he describes the new grading system with higher expectations. It's available on the Ofsted website, here.
Ofsted confirms changes to education inspection
On 9th September Oftsed announced that the new report card based inspection regime will commence in November 2025. You can view videos of the report cards from their website here, this page also summarises the announcement. Here are the links to the full toolkits for each of the educational settings: Early years State-funded schools Non-association … Continue reading Ofsted confirms changes to education inspection
Ofsted: We know we need to improve our inspection plans
In an article written for TES, Rory Gribbell, Oftsed's director of strategy and engagement, summarises some of the themes that have emerged from the public consultation they have been conducting and comments on Oftsed's reactions. You can find the article on the TES website, here.
Improving the way Ofsted inspects education
Ofsted has opened a new consultation on its plans for inspection from September 2025. The consultation will run for 12 weeks, from 3 February to 28 April. In tandem with this the DfE are running a consultation on accountability. Ofsted state: "This consultation asks for your views, as parents, carers, professionals or learners, on the … Continue reading Improving the way Ofsted inspects education
Martyn Oliver speaks about Ofsted reform
Ofsted chief inspector Martyn Oliver spoke to education committee MPs on new report cards, safeguarding 'spot checks' and SEND worries amongst other things. You can read the transcript of the meeting on the Parliament website, here (where there is also am link to watch the recording of the meeting). Some of the points he made … Continue reading Martyn Oliver speaks about Ofsted reform
NGA: A guide to Ofsted inspection
NGA has updated it's guide to Ofsted inspection, and covers recent changes: the removal of single headline grades (schools will still receive grades for the four existing key judgement areas) – Ofsted is developing report cards to replace this in 2025 the removal of ‘deep dives’ from ungraded inspections a revised process for pausing and … Continue reading NGA: A guide to Ofsted inspection
Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen
Ofsted have concluded their "Big Listen" consultation, and on 3rd September they published their response - this covers children’s social care, special education needs and disabilities and alternative provision, early years, schools, further education and skills, teacher professional development and education. For schools, the changes they have announced are as follows: remove the overall effectiveness … Continue reading Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen
Changes to ungraded inspections
Oftsed's changes to ungraded inspections in the autumn term are explained in this article on their website. They outline the process which can be summarised as: The day before the on-site inspection begins, they will hold an extended phone conversation aimed atb agreeing what they need to do during the on-site inspection; During the inspection, … Continue reading Changes to ungraded inspections
Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections
At the National Association of Headteacher’s (NAHT) Annual conference on 4 May, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, announced changes to ungraded inspections. ‘Deep dives’ during ungraded inspections to stop from September. Move will affect 40% of all school inspections. The changes are designed to reduce the burden on school leaders and allow more time … Continue reading Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections
Ofsted’s work with schools – Education Committee Report
The House of Commons Education Committee has published its report on Ofsted. Some of the report's conclusions are: School inspections are not currently carried out in sufficient length or depth to cover the full range of areas of a school’s work. The short notice period appears to be causing operational difficulties for many schools. There … Continue reading Ofsted’s work with schools – Education Committee Report
Ofsted School inspection handbook update
Oftsed have recently released an updated school inspection handbook (effective from 19 January 2024) that takes into account their recent Prevention of Future Deaths report. The handbook is mainly unchanged - most of the changes are clarifications. In summary, these are as follows: Inspection can be paused under exceptional circumstances - headteachers can request a … Continue reading Ofsted School inspection handbook update
Ofsted responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report
Published today (19 January 2024) Ofsted has responded in full to a Prevention of Future Deaths report issued by HM Coroner ahead of school and further education inspections being notified next week. The response includes a new policy on pausing an inspection. A comprehensive listening exercise – the Big Listen (previously reported here) – will … Continue reading Ofsted responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report
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