3 February 2025: Ofsted announces consultation on new inspection model
The consultation is now open and Ofsted is asking parents, carers, professionals and learners for their views on the proposed changes to inspection.
The proposed changes include:
- A new 'report card' system, replacing the current inspection criteria and judgement areas
- An end to ungraded inspections, with all inspections being 'full' inspections for state-funded schools
- Removing 'deep dives' to allow more focus on each school's individual context and improvement priorities
- Education inspection toolkits that outline the focus areas for inspections, as well as how inspectors will assess and grade schools
- Monitoring for schools 'causing concern' or with any evaluation area graded 'attention needed'
For a more in-depth look, read our summary of the consultation.
The consultation closes on 28 April 2025 and Ofsted will publish the findings in the summer. Inspections will then be paused for the first half of the autumn term until November 2025, according to this Tes article.