You are here:
Ofsted 'deep dives': reading (primary)
Find out what Ofsted inspectors might ask during a reading 'deep dive'. Download our list of questions to get the latest insights – it's based on 5 recent inspections under the new framework.
Contents
- How deep dives work
- Questions that Ofsted might ask during reading deep dives
Ofsted inspectors use subject 'deep dives' to inspect your curriculum.
In a primary school, you'll always have a reading deep dive as part of your inspection.
How deep dives work
Who's involved?
Your senior leadership team, curriculum leads, subject leads, teachers and pupils.
How will inspectors do this?
- Conversations (see the list of questions in the section below)
- Work scrutinies (they'll look at 6 pieces of work per year group, for at least 2 year groups)
- Lesson observations (4 to 6 lessons)
- Looking at curriculum documentation
Read our article on how Ofsted inspects your curriculum for more details.
Questions that Ofsted might ask during reading deep dives
This list is based on questions that Ofsted inspectors have asked subject leads and teachers in 5 primary schools. If your school doesn't have a subject lead, inspectors may put their questions to your headteacher or senior leaders instead.
The list above doesn't include every question Ofsted might ask a subject lead – use it alongside our list of curriculum questions to reflect on your approach and be ready to talk about it confidently.
- Attendance: what Ofsted is looking for Updated
- 'Cultural capital': what Ofsted is looking for New
- Definitions: 'disadvantaged pupils' and 'vulnerable' pupils
- Health and safety: how to show Ofsted you're fulfilling your duties
- How Ofsted inspects 'behaviour and attitudes'
- How Ofsted inspects early years education
- How Ofsted inspects governance
- How Ofsted inspects 'leadership and management'
- How Ofsted inspects 'personal development'
- How Ofsted inspects safeguarding
- How Ofsted inspects sixth forms
- How Ofsted inspects your curriculum
- Ofsted 'deep dives': geography (primary)
- Ofsted 'deep dives': maths (primary)
- Ofsted 'deep dives': science
- School policies: what Ofsted is looking for Updated
More from The Key
It's here! Safeguarding INSET pack 2019/20
- Downloadable presentations
- Participant handout
- Assessments and certificates
- New session on online safety
CPD Toolkit makes it easy to run training in-house
Covering topics including differentiation, assessment, SEND and growth mindset, CPD Toolkit has been created by subject experts and tested by teachers to guarantee practical, engaging training that's also excellent value for money.
- Need-to-know: DfE announces replacement for P scales 1-4 27 Jan 2020 10:57
- In the news: Your weekly round-up for 17 - 24 January 2020 24 Jan 2020 08:00
- Need-to-know: KS5 performance tables published for 2019 23 Jan 2020 10:07
- Need-to-know: Teachers set for pay rise under DfE plans 21 Jan 2020 09:25
- Need-to-know: DfE to provide free period products for your school 20 Jan 2020 09:57
The Key has taken great care in publishing this article. However, some of the article's content and information may come from or link to third party sources whose quality, relevance, accuracy, completeness, currency and reliability we do not guarantee. Accordingly, we will not be held liable for any use of or reliance placed on this article's content or the links or downloads it provides. This article may contain information sourced from public sector bodies and licensed under the Open Government Licence.