OFSTED inspect and regulate to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.

The new Ofsted brings together the wide experience of four inspectorates to make a greater difference for every child, and for all young people and adult learners, in England. Their educational, economic and social well-being will promote our success as a country.

OFSTED inspect schools, including those for service children overseas, at least once every fouryears, usually giving about one days’ notice. However, if Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) is concerned about the safety or well-being of pupils in a school, HMCI will exercise the right to inspect a school without notice.

Schools are required to notify parents of the inspection, and to include details of how they can pass their views to inspectors. Parents can ask to speak to inspectors during the inspection and inspectors will do what they can to accommodate the request as far as practical.

The inspection will last no longer than two days, and the team will be from one to five inspectors depending on the size of the school. They will look at the school’s self-evaluation, consider the school’s performance results, and examine the previous inspection report to prepare before the visit. The self-evaluation form is used as the basis for discussion between the lead inspector, the senior team of the school and, where possible, the governors.

Once they are in the school, the inspectors will sit in on lessons and examine the way lessons are planned, among other things. At the end of the inspection they report on the school’s overall effectiveness, and:

• the quality of education
• behaviour and attitudes
• personal development
• leadership and management

How do I get a report?

The governing body must send a copy of the report to all parents and carers of pupils at the school within five working days of receiving it. It must also make a copy of the report available upon request to members of the public. A charge, not exceeding the cost of reproduction, can be made for copies of the report.

You can see our latest report here: