Ofsted 'deep dives': reading (primary)

Find out what Ofsted inspectors might ask during a reading 'deep dive', and download our list of questions so you feel ready to talk confidently about your subject.

Last reviewed on 7 March 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 38740
Contents
  1. Ofsted will always do a reading 'deep dive'
  2. How 'deep dives' work
  3. Questions Ofsted might ask during a reading 'deep dive'
  4. How to prepare

Ofsted inspectors use subject 'deep dives' to inspect your curriculum

They'll use them to consider the 'intent, implementation and impact' of your curriculum as part of the 'quality of education' judgement.

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

Ofsted will always do a reading 'deep dive'

In primary schools Ofsted will:

  • Always do a deep dive in:
    • Reading
    • 1 or more foundation subjects
  • Often do a deep dive in maths

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

How 'deep dives' work

Who's involved?

Your senior leadership team, curriculum leads, subject leads, teachers and pupils.

How will inspectors do the 'deep dive'?

Conversations with teachers (download the questions in the section below) Looking at curriculum documentation Lesson observations/joint