Preparing for inspection

As a trust leader, feel confident in providing effective support to your schools after they've been inspected by Ofsted. Know what steps to take, whatever judgements your schools receive.

Update your board regularly on what's going on in your school. If governors are up to speed, they'll feel more ready for an Ofsted inspection. Share our list of questions so they know what inspectors might ask them.

You've received the call from Ofsted that you’re going to be inspected. Download our checklist for headteachers to see what to prepare before Ofsted arrives, and share reminders and support with the rest of your staff.

Support staff, including office staff, may be interviewed by Ofsted inspectors. Find out what they should know and how your office staff can help with inspection preparations.

If your school has a designated religious character, you'll receive section 48 inspections on top of standard Ofsted inspections. Be clear on what these inspections are and how they work, so you can be confident in what to expect.

Get ready for your next SIAMS inspection under the current framework and check you're clear on the relationship between these inspections and those conducted by Ofsted.