Don't miss out
We update this article whenever we hear something new. Select 'save for later' at the top of this article and we'll let you know when it's been updated.
For previous updates, see the bottom of this article.
23 July 2024: new inspection handbooks to be published in September
This news comes alongside details about the previously announced changes to ungraded inspections, including that:
- Ofsted will replace deep dives with a focus on groups of subjects (e.g. 'core' subjects and 'vocational' subjects)
- Headteachers and senior leaders will play a larger role in ungraded inspections to help reduce the burden on subject leads
See this blog post from Ofsted for more information.
Other elements of inspection, including the framework and inspection methodology, are not changing.
We'll update our Ofsted-related articles to reflect the new handbooks once they are published.
8 May 2024: ungraded inspections will not receive 'deep dives' from September 2024
From September, inspectors will conduct 'extended learning walks' instead of subject 'deep dives' during inspections for schools with a 'good' or 'outstanding' rating. Nearly 3,000 inspections planned for next year will be affected by this change.
See this press release for more details.
26 April 2024: schools with RAAC in some of their buildings can defer inspections this term
Ofsted has announced that schools with confirmed RAAC are eligible for inspections in the summer term (they weren't in autumn or spring).
However, schools with confirmed RAAC can defer the inspection, if they want to. Having RAAC in some of your buildings is grounds for deferral.
Ofsted reaffirmed that schools that don't have RAAC in their buildings, but are still affected in some way (e.g. taking on pupils from other schools with confirmed RAAC), will receive special consideration if they request a deferral.
See Ofsted's news story for details.
24 April 2024: Ofsted outlines its approach to artificial intelligence (AI)
Ofsted has released a new policy paper. It highlights that inspectors will consider how schools' use of AI contributes to the criteria set out in the inspection framework, such as the quality of education and safeguarding. Ofsted won't be directly inspecting the quality of AI tools.
The policy paper also details what Ofsted expects from schools in relation to their use of AI. This includes:
- Making sure AI solutions are safe and secure, and protecting users' data
- Transparency about schools' use of AI and understanding the suggestions AI makes
- Using AI only when it's ethically appropriate to, and monitoring bias
- Giving staff clear roles for monitoring, evaluating, and maintaining AI tools
- Making sure that staff are empowered to correct and overrule suggestions made by AI
- Responding appropriately to complaints about errors made by AI
Ofsted itself will also be using AI – for example, to help decide whether a school that was judged 'good' at its last inspection should receive a graded or ungraded inspection.
7 February 2024: having RAAC in your buildings is sufficient grounds to defer an inspection
These schools are eligible for inspection this term – but having RAAC in some of your buildings will be sufficient grounds to defer an inspection, should you wish to.
Ofsted will also consider requests for deferral made by schools that don't have confirmed RAAC in their buildings, but are still affected in some way (e.g. if you're temporarily hosting pupils from a school with RAAC).
In cases where Ofsted has concerns about a school, it may send inspectors regardless of the school's situation with RAAC.
See Ofsted's statement for schools affected by RAAC.
19 January 2024: Ofsted inspection handbook updated for 2024
This comes in response to the coroner's report following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. There are no new requirements for schools.
The key changes include:
- Updates on how to raise a concern during inspection
- Clarifications on making a deferral
- Updated guidance on bringing colleagues to meetings with inspectors
- New guidance on pausing an inspection once it has begun
For more details, see our summary of the updated handbook.
5 January 2024: Ofsted inspections to begin from 22 January
This comes after a delay to inspections at the start of the year, to allow inspectors to receive initial training on mental health awareness (see update below).
On 19 January, Ofsted will respond to the coroner's inquest into the death of Ruth Perry last year.
For more details, see this press release from Ofsted.
2 January 2024: Ofsted delays start of spring term inspections
Routine inspections will start later in January as the new chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, responds to the coroner's inquest into the death of Ruth Perry last year.
The later start will allow Ofsted time to give all inspectors initial training on mental health awareness. For more details, read the press release from Ofsted.
Older updates: what you may have missed from 2023
2023 updates
