Questions Ofsted might ask SENCOs

Download our list of questions to find out what Ofsted inspectors might ask you as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). You'll also find questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and tips on how to make the most of your inspection meeting.

Last reviewed on 31 October 2023
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 6741
Contents
  1. Download our questions to help you prepare 
  2. Identify areas inspectors are most likely to interrogate 
  3. Show inspectors how you meet pupils' needs

Dive in to our latest Ofsted changes for the 2023/24 academic year so you can keep on top of what's new.

Download our questions to help you prepare 

You'll usually meet with an inspector for 30 to 45 minutes during an Ofsted inspection. 

Questions cover the following areas: 

  • Curriculum
  • Internal assessment data – inspectors won’t ask to see this, but you can still use it as evidence to demonstrate a point if you want. We’ve included some follow-up questions inspectors might ask if you do decide to use it
  • Behaviour and attitudes
  • Personal development
  • Leadership and management
  • Safeguarding

You'll also find pointers on evidence you could use to identify practical examples to back up your answers.

KeyDoc: questions Ofsted might ask SENCOs DOC, 291.0 KB

We’ve spread our questions related to COVID-19 throughout this document, rather than having them in a distinct section – this is to reflect the latest version of the School Inspection Handbook (September 2023).

Our resource is based on:

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