Maintained schools, including Academies and some non-maintained special schools
Safeguarding and Criminal Records Bureau requirements: confirmation of appropriate checks for inspectors
Ofsted and its partner inspection service providers (CfBT Education Trust, Serco Education and Children's Services and Tribal Group) have undertaken the required employment checks for all staff who visit schools and colleges as part of an inspection. This includes all appropriate employment checks and an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure.
Employment checks, including enhanced CRB checks, were undertaken as part of the engagement in employment process for all HMI and Additional Inspectors.
We further require that all staff are re-checked every three years, although we recognise that this is not a statutory requirement.
All HMI and Additional Inspectors carry official Ofsted photo identification badges which are provided to confirm to schools and other providers that they are subject to the safeguarding process as outlined above.
How often do inspections happen?
We have a duty to inspect schools at least once every five school years. The interval between inspections depends on the nature of the provision, the outcome of the school’s previous inspection and a scrutiny of data. Schools judged to be good or outstanding at their last inspection and which maintain their performance are likely to go four or five years between inspections. Schools graded satisfactory are inspected at least every three years and up to 40% of these schools may receive a monitoring visit between inspections. Special schools, pupil referral units, schools with residential provision, and schools with registered provision for 0–3-year-old children are also inspected every three years.
How much notice of inspection do schools receive?
Between zero and two days' notice. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) has the power to inspect a school without notice but most schools will have at least one day’s warning.
How do I find out when my child’s school is being inspected?
Schools are required to notify parents of the inspection, and to include details of how they can pass their views to inspectors. The school will send you an explanatory leaflet and letter which we provide for parents. The letter includes a confidential questionnaire asking for parents' and carers' views about the school. Parents can ask to speak to inspectors during the inspection and inspectors will do their best to accommodate the request, including using phone calls when a face-to-face meeting is not possible.
How long does an inspection last?
The inspection will last no longer than two days. The size of the inspection team will be determined by the size of the school. Most primary schools will typically have two or three inspectors while secondary schools will usually have four or five inspectors.
What happens during an inspection?
Inspectors will look at the school's self-evaluation, its previous report and data about its performance to prepare for the visit. They will usually have spoken to the headteacher. Once the inspection begins, they will sit in on lessons, talk to pupils and staff, and consider the views of parents.
Inspectors make a judgement about the school's overall effectiveness and produce a written report indicating one of four grades: outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate. Inadequate schools are either made subject to special measures or issued with a notice to improve.
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. The report is also published on the Ofsted website.