Inspection

The latest news, analysis and opinion on inspections at schools in the UK and overseas, from updates to inspection frameworks and guidance on how to prepare

Friday

11th Feb 2022

Ofsted gives schools breathing space on curriculum
In response to Covid disruption, the inspectorate extends the transition period for schools to develop their curriculum plans
Ofsted has extended the transitional period it is giving schools to develop curriculum plans because of ongoing Covid disruption.

Monday

7th Feb 2022

Successful schools ‘don’t tolerate’ persistent absence
Seven ways that schools can promote attendance in any setting, according to Ofsted
Ofsted has produced a new guide on how successful schools improve attendance.
Anxiety fuelling school absence, heads tell Ofsted
New Ofsted research reveals the reasons that headteachers cited for lower-than-normal school attendance last term
An Ofsted survey has found that Covid and anxiety have been the main drivers for higher than normal absence last term

Wednesday

2nd Feb 2022

Primaries can work together on curriculum, says Ofsted
Inspectorate says it does not expect subject leads in primary schools to be experts across multiple areas
Ofsted has produced a new blog setting out what primary school subject leads can expect from deep dives

Monday

31st Jan 2022

Judge school groups on inclusion, says EPI
Only measuring school groups, such as academy trusts, on attainment can lead to exclusions and off-rolling, a new report warns
Judge schools' performance on inclusion - not just pupil progress and attainment, says EPI report

Thursday

27th Jan 2022

Covid: Church delays ‘unfair’ school inspections amid staff absences
SIAMS director warns it would be ‘unfair and unwise’ to resume school inspections amid ongoing disruption
The Church of England has said its SIAMS inspections will remain on hold for most of next month.

Wednesday

5th Jan 2022

Ofsted: HMI to inspect schools from next week
Watchdog says inspections will carry on and it will assess schools’ Covid-related deferral requests on a case-by-case basis
Ofsted have announced how it will carry out inspections at the start of this term
Church school inspections halted due to Covid
The Church of England says having inspectors visit schools could add to the risk of the virus spreading
SIAMS inspections of Church of England and Methodist schools have been suspended for at least a month because of Covid.

Sunday

2nd Jan 2022

Masks back in secondary classrooms to tackle Omicron
Ofsted also set to be scaled back for the next month, and schools will receive more air purifiers, DfE announces
The government has reintroduced a recommendation that masks be worn in classrooms for staff and pupils in year seven and above.

Monday

20th Dec 2021

Ex-Ofsted boss to return to teaching to cover Covid gaps
But school leaders question if government push to recruit ex-teachers will work
Sir Michael Wilshaw is to return to the classroom to cover Covid absence next month.

Thursday

16th Dec 2021

Pupil absence a ‘stubborn concern’, Ofsted warns
Chief inspector Amanda Spielman says ‘we must do all we can’ to make sure children are in classrooms
Ofsted concern over pandemic impact on Year 7 pupils
Ofsted inspections found Year 7s were particularly hard hit in terms of being ready for secondary school
School inspections will not go ahead as planned