Ofsted inspectors: ID and DBS checks

Be clear on the identification Ofsted inspectors carry when they inspect your school, and the safeguarding checks they’ve had.

Last reviewed on 13 November 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 8980
Contents
  1. Inspectors carry official identification (ID) badges
  2. Inspectors are DBS checked by Ofsted 
  3. Sharing other information

Inspectors carry official identification (ID) badges

These include the inspector's:

  • Photograph
  • Name
  • Identification number

The lead inspector will share the names of the inspection team with you during the notification call. Check these names against inspectors' ID badges when they arrive, and record them according to your usual visitor protocols. 

There's no requirement for you to take a copy of the information on the ID badges, but they must be worn by inspectors at all times while visiting your school.

If you have a no-notice inspection, inspectors will usually contact the regional inspection support team when they arrive at your school and gain access to the premises. You should raise and discuss any concerns about the identity of your inspectors at this point.

Inspectors are DBS checked by Ofsted 

Inspectors don't carry their DBS check information with them because their ID badge confirms that they've had