Ofsted and other inspection

Pupil voice is a big part of inspection. Understand what Ofsted is looking for, and which pupil groups and topics inspectors are likely to focus on.

Ofsted will ask to see a list of safeguarding referrals made to your DSL. Get expert advice on presenting this information, and see examples of forms other schools use to record referrals.

Ofsted doesn't have set criteria for evaluating health and safety, but inspectors expect you to meet your statutory requirements. Be clear on what inspectors are looking for, and how to demonstrate good, compliant practice.

Understand how Ofsted will inspect achievement and the key evidence it will consider under the 2025 inspection framework. Download and use our self-evaluation tool to help you review your setting.

Get to grips with what Ofsted may look at when it comes to AI policies and usage, and how you can make sure you’re staying compliant.

See how Ofsted inspects SEND as part of the 'inclusion' evaluation area. Find out what inspectors will look for and how they'll gather evidence, including case sampling.

Inspectors won't judge individual teaching assistants (TAs) – they're more interested in how effectively you deploy them. However, your TAs might get asked about safeguarding, behaviour, and how your school supports particular pupils. Find out what Ofsted expects from TAs so you can be prepared.

Learn how Ofsted inspectors will use case sampling to look at specific pupils in your school, what the process involves and how to prepare for it. Plus, use our templates to let parents/carers know if inspectors will want to talk to them or their child.

You can ask for an Ofsted inspection to be deferred, if you have concerns about your school's circumstances. Pausing an inspection that's already started might also be necessary, to protect your or your staff's wellbeing. Find out when and how you can make a request for a deferral or a pause.

Find tips on talking to your team about Ofsted inspections, including before and after you've had the outcome. Get everyone on the same page about what to expect, and download our poster to remind staff of wellbeing safeguards during an inspection.

Keep your board updated about what's going on in your school, and make sure they know what to expect from an Ofsted inspection. Share our list of questions on what inspectors might ask them.

Get answers to your questions about Ofsted's current framework across the most frequently-asked topics. Plus, find links to all our resources to help you manage an Ofsted inspection effectively.

Understand what the Ofsted nominee does, and who may be suitable to become the nominee in your team. Plus, see tips on how to support your nominee to prepare for the role, divide workload during an inspection, and look out for their wellbeing.

Download our resource to get an idea of the types of questions Ofsted inspectors might ask about attendance and behaviour under the 2026 framework.

Download our resource to get an idea of the types of questions Ofsted inspectors might ask about inclusion under the 2026 framework.

Get an idea of what Ofsted could ask you and your colleagues all in one place, so you feel confident talking to inspectors. Find out what they could ask headteachers and SLT, DSLs, middle leaders, SENCOs, teachers, SBMs and TAs under the school inspection framework.

Find out how often Ofsted inspects schools under the 2025 framework and get an idea of when your next inspection will be.

Get to grips with how Ofsted inspects pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provision (AP) academies. Also find information covering inspection of residential provision.

Find out what your inspection data summary report (IDSR) includes and how inspectors will use it, and see examples from the DfE.