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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.
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.
8 December 2023: Ofsted delaying inspections on 11-15 December by 1 day
All inspections for the week starting Monday 11 December will be delayed by 1 day, following the coroner's inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. This is to allow Ofsted to bring all lead inspectors together before further inspections.
Starting from next week, Ofsted will also give all schools a number to call if they have concerns about their inspection.
We're expecting an update to the School Inspection Handbook to include information or more clarity on:
- How leaders can be accompanied by a colleague during meetings with inspectors
- Who leaders can share inspection outcomes with, before they're shared with parents
For more details, read the statement from Amanda Spielman following the coroner's verdict.
We'll update our step-by-step guide to a graded Ofsted inspection once Ofsted updates the School Inspection Handbook.
13 September 2023: Ofsted won't inspect schools affected by RAAC
Schools on the list of education settings affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) will not be inspected this term.
Ofsted has updated its deferrals guidance for schools not on the list, but still affected (e.g. those schools taking on pupils from schools on the list above).
The announcement also makes clear that where Ofsted has concerns about a school, it may send inspectors regardless of the school's situation with RAAC.
31 August 2023: potential impact of RAAC on inspections
If your school is experiencing disruption due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and you are notified of an inspection, you should contact the lead inspector at Ofsted and discuss your deferral options under the heading of ‘exceptional circumstances’.
The DfE is working closely with Ofsted to share information about this issue and it will be taken into account when scheduling inspections.
This is outlined in the DfE's latest guidance on RAAC (page 13).
18 July 2023: Ofsted School Inspection Handbook updated for 2023
There are a number of changes and clarifications, including the reforms we were already expecting from 13 June 2023 (see below). The updated handbook comes into force from 1 September 2023.
Get up to speed with what's new this year.
13 June 2023: Ofsted is making changes to inspections
Ofsted has not announced a major overhaul, but it has outlined the following reforms:
Respond to Ofsted's consultation on its complaints process
Ofsted will tweak how it handles safeguarding issues
More clarity on when you're likely to be inspected
Reports will be less focused on individuals
Headteachers can share provisional outcomes with colleagues
'Outstanding' schools: get access to seminars from Ofsted
The DfE's expanding the school leader wellbeing service
When do these changes come into force?
Ofsted has explained that the above changes will be implemented either:
- Immediately (or are already being implemented), or
- From September 2023
Ofsted is not changing the 1-word rating system
Ofsted’s blog says the department believes this is still the clearest way to give parents the confidence to choose the right school for their child.
Older updates: what you may have missed from 2022
2022 updates