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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
- How to expand narrow definitions of ‘cultural capital’
- Ofsted 'deep dives': geography (primary)
- Ofsted 'deep dives': maths (primary)
- Ofsted 'deep dives': science
- School policies: what Ofsted is looking for
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