Inspection

Case studies

Inspection updates

Inspection advice/guidance

School inspections have become a crucial yet highly pressurised part of primary school life. Our articles and best practice offer crucial guidance, advice and up-to-date insights on how to approach school inspection to ensure successful outcomes.

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Ofsted subject review: A focus on science

Ofsted has begun publishing its series of subject reports, with science the first discipline under scrutiny. Suzanne O’Connell considers the report’s main messages (and warnings) for primary schools

The curriculum & Ofsted: Sequencing and structure with purpose

Curriculum is now at the heart of Ofsted inspection, but does this mean all knowledge and no joy? Suzanne O’Connell meets two schools to find out how they created a curriculum to enthuse pupils while also satisfying inspectors

Inspecting SEND provision: What does Ofsted look for?

In previous Ofsted frameworks, SEND provision perhaps did not get the attention it deserved. With a higher profile in the EIF, Suzanne O’Connell asks how schools can ensure provision matches expectation

Preparing governors for Ofsted inspection

Governors have a key role to play during Ofsted inspection. Tiffnie Harris discusses 10 ways we can ensure governors are well prepared for when the inspectors come calling...

Safeguarding & the quality of education: A case study of Ofsted inspection

From updated statutory safeguarding guidance to a focus on prior learning and the quality of education, what lessons can we draw from a recent primary school inspection? Here are some notes from an anonymous headteacher

Are your pupils ready for Ofsted’s deep dives?

Deep dives are intended to give Ofsted insight into how subjects are taught and are now a key tool for inspectors. But how well can pupils contribute to the discussion? Suzanne O'Connell spoke to one school about its recent experience...

A case study of inspection during Covid

Ofsted’s inspection schedule is back in full swing but there have been accusations that inspectors are not taking account of the pandemic hardships that schools have faced. Suzanne O’Connell caught up with executive headteacher Joe Roberts following a recent Ofsted

Sexual harassment: The role of RSE in responding to Ofsted’s review

The shockwaves of Ofsted’s review of sexual harassment and abuse in schools can still be felt. Schools are now responding. Lucy Emmerson looks at the role of effective RSE as part of this response

What works in maths?

Maths is one of the subjects reported on in Ofsted’s series of research reviews. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the main themes and messages in the report and the implications for practice in our primary schools

Safeguarding: Preventing peer-on-peer abuse

Following Ofsted’s review of sexual harassment and abuse in schools – and the subsequent updates to the inspection framework from September – what should schools be doing to address peer-in-peer abuse? Jenny Moore advises and signposts to some useful resources

Sexual abuse and safeguarding: Harnessing pupil voice

When considering Ofsted’s review of sexual abuse and harassment, it is clear that we may not be asking young people the right questions. One immediate action for schools must be to listen to our pupils. Elizabeth Rose looks at putting pupil voice at the heart of our safeguarding response

Vulnerable pupils: 14 things to consider in your post-lockdown Pupil Premium plans

How will you ensure that Pupil Premium and other vulnerable pupils get the support they need as schools re-open to all pupils? With an eye on Ofsted expectations and requirements, Helen Frostick advises, including on planning for the summer term

What is cultural capital? Satisfying Ofsted’s tone-deaf interpretation

Ofsted’s tone-deaf interpretation of cultural capital brings with it profound dilemmas for school leaders, who may be of a mind to resist… Phil Beadle, author of a new book on the topic, offers his plan to satisfy inspectors without having to turn things upside down

Work scrutinies as a part of school improvement

Joint work scrutinies are a potential feature of Ofsted inspection. To help prepare, Kaley Foran looks at making joint work scrutinies a regular and constructive part of your school improvement processes

Brutal or a blessing? Reactions to the new EIF

Headteachers have described the new Ofsted inspection regime as ‘brutal’. Unsurprisingly, the chief inspector disagrees. Suzanne O’Connell looks for the truth behind the impact of the EIF so far

Ofsted’s changed regime: Questions to consider

The Education Inspection Framework is a radical departure from what has gone before. Danny Cuttell considers some aspects that you might have missed and asks some key questions of your curriculum provision

Concern over Ofsted’s deep dive expectations

The deep dive is the method being used by Ofsted inspectors to explore the intent, implementation and impact of the curriculum in schools. But is the approach proving too much for subject leaders in our primary schools?

A case study of Ofsted's EIF in action

Greenmount Primary School was one of the first schools to be visited under Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework. Headteacher David Griffith speaks with Suzanne O’Connell and shares his experiences of the Section 8 inspection before offering his advice to other schools

Ofsted: What curriculum evidence will they need?

With Ofsted’s new ‘quality of education’ judgement in mind, Imogen Rowley examines how inspectors will be judging the ‘intent, implementation and impact’ of your curriculum

Ofsted’s EIF and the place of EAL education

The new Education Inspection Framework makes no reference to pupils who use English as an additional language as a distinct group. This does not mean, however, that schools should stop considering the distinct learning needs of pupils with EAL. Katherine Solomon and Silvana Richardson advise

‘Attitudes’: What exactly will Ofsted look for?

From this term, Ofsted will be reporting on both the ‘behaviour’ and ‘attitudes’ of a school’s pupils as one of the four judgements within the new Education Inspection Framework. In a move designed to emphasise the importance of how pupils approach their learning and life in school, do we really ...

School development, curriculum and Ofsted

Schools across England will be reflecting on their curriculum design in light of Ofsted’s new ‘intent, implementation and impact’ approach. National Leader of Education Helen Frostick offers a quick insight into how her school’s curriculum will meet Ofsted’s criteria, including areas for development

Curriculum design under a new Ofsted regime

The new Ofsted inspection framework will see a focus on the breadth of a school’s curriculum offer, including its ‘intent’, ‘implementation’ and ‘impact’. In light of these changes, Matt Bromley looks at how schools might plan their curriculum

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Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework: Finally moving in the right direction?

The consultation over Ofsted’s draft Education Inspection Framework is almost at an end. With its new focus on curriculum breadth and balance and with the chief inspector speaking out against teaching to the test, the framework has been broadly welcomed. What are the key talking points?

Ofsted and our wellbeing

Consultation over the draft Education Inspection Framework will close soon. Philippa Stobbs looks at the potential within the proposals to foster better teacher and pupil wellbeing

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