Ofsted inspection
=================

**Improving the way Ofsted inspects education: consultation**

Ofsted have recently carried out a review of the Education Inspection Framework which included ‘The Big Listen’. A summary of findings can be found[ here](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework-implementation-review/summary-of-findings-from-our-education-inspection-framework-implementation-review). Following the review proposals for a new inspection model have been published for consultation. The model includes:

- Introducing the Ofsted report card, giving parents detailed information about standards across more areas of practice in their child’s school, early years, or further education provider.
- Replacing the ‘single word judgement’ with a new 5-point grading scale for each evaluation area, including a new top ‘exemplary’ grade to help raise standards.
- Returning to schools with identified weaknesses, to check timely action is being taken to raise standards.
- Increasing focus on support for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and learners, including those with SEND.
- More emphasis on providers’ circumstances and local context.

The [consultation](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-way-ofsted-inspects-education) closes on 28 April 2025.

**Ofsted inspection framework**

The current Education Inspection Framework (2019) can be found [here](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-september-2023).

**Overall effectiveness is judged across the four areas of:**

- quality of education
- personal development
- behaviour and attitudes
- leadership and management

[Devon Education Services can offer support with the education inspection framework to schools](https://devoneducationservices.co.uk/our-services/school-effectiveness/leadership-and-school-effectiveness/).

Schools subject to a Section 5 inspection will receive a graded outcome against each of the 4 areas of the EIF.

Section 8 inspections are ungraded. A Fast 15 video detailing changes to ungraded inspections from September 2024 can be found [here](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/school-effectiveness/leadership/fast-15/).

The timing of inspections is set out in part 1 of the [Inspection Handbook](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023#basics-of-inspection). How and when schools are inspected will depend on the date, outcome and type of inspection a school last received. However, from November 2025, all inspections will be ‘full’ inspections. Ofsted will no longer carry out ungraded inspections.