Inspection processes and procedures

You can ask for an Ofsted inspection to be deferred if you have concerns about your school's circumstances. Pausing an inspection 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.

Whatever the result, save time with our template letters so you can clearly explain the outcome of your school's latest Ofsted inspection and grading to your school community.

SBMs have an important role to play during an Ofsted inspection. Find out how you may be involved on the day, and what you can do to help your school prepare.

When the Ofsted inspection team arrive, you need to check their identification but not their DBS information. Read our article to find out more.

Find out what happens before, during and after a graded Ofsted inspection under the current framework, and understand what's expected of you at each step.