Post-inspection action plan: guidance and template

Last reviewed on 24 January 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 45998

Get advice on how to use feedback from your inspections to create effective post-Ofsted action plans for your school or your subject.

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Contents

  1. No requirement for maintained schools and academies
  2. Requirement for independent schools
  3. Use the more detailed feedback from inspectors
  4. Download our template
  5. Make sure your improvements are reflected across your plans
  6. 10 principles to keep in mind
  7. See an example from a primary school

This article is for you if you're developing a general, whole-school action plan in response to an Ofsted inspection.

If you're looking to create an action plan for a specific subject, select the 'Subject leaders' tab above.

No requirement for maintained schools and academies

You're not required to produce post-inspection action plans. 

However, by 8am on the day of your inspection, inspectors will want to see your current school improvement plan (SIP) or equivalent, including any planning that sets out the longer-term vision for your school, such as your school or trust's strategy.

This is set out in paragraph 82 of the School Inspection Handbook.

Requirement for independent schools

Where you're not meeting the independent school standards (ISS), the DfE can require you to prepare an action plan setting out how you'll address your failings, and by when.

After the action plan

Also in this topic: Planning and supporting school improvement
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