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.
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
- 'Cultural capital': what Ofsted is looking for
- 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
More from The Key
Empower your governing board and drive school improvement together.
The Key for School Governors will give you total assurance that every member of your governing board is competent in their role, Ofsted-ready and working with you as one unified team.
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.
- In the news: Your weekly round-up for 20 - 27 March 2020 27 Mar 2020 08:00
- In the news: Your weekly round-up for 13 - 20 March 2020 20 Mar 2020 08:00
- In the news: Your weekly round-up for 6 - 13 March 2020 13 Mar 2020 12:00
- In the news: Your weekly round-up for 28 February - 6 March 2020 6 Mar 2020 08:00
- Need-to-know: Have your say on Ofsted's proposed revisions to its complaints process, and more 3 Mar 2020 14:14
- COVID-19 addendum to your child protection policy: model New
- Remote learning: how to make your own YouTube videos for effective teaching New
- Recruitment during coronavirus: how to manage it remotely New
- Coronavirus safeguarding guidance: what you need to do New
- Coronavirus: FAQs on handling regular school business New
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.