Ofsted 'deep dives': art and design

Understand how Ofsted inspectors do an art and design 'deep dive' and see what they might ask by downloading our list of questions based on previous inspections.

Last reviewed on 29 March 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 46345
Contents
  1. Will we get a 'deep dive' in art and design?
  2. How deep dives work
  3. Questions Ofsted might ask 
  4. Differences between primary and secondary art and design deep dives
  5. How to prepare

Ofsted inspectors use subject 'deep dives' to inspect your curriculum. They use them to consider the 'intent, implementation and impact' of your curriculum as part of the 'quality of education' assessment.

See paragraphs 215 to 217 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

Ofsted has emphasised that it does not make judgements on specific subjects, lessons or teachers. Its inspectors use deep dives to help them arrive at an overall 'quality of education' judgement.

Will we get a 'deep dive' in art and design?

Ofsted might do an art and design deep dive.

 In primary schools Ofsted will:

  • Always do a deep dive in:
    • Reading
    • 1 or more foundation subjects, which could include art and design
  • Often do a deep dive in maths

In secondary schools, Ofsted will usually focus on a sample of 4 to 6 subjects. Art and design could be 1 of these subjects.

See paragraph 216 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

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