Types of Inspection
Under the new framework, there are several types of inspection:
Graded inspections
These are the most comprehensive and result in a detailed report card. They typically last two days and involve a team of inspectors. All schools receive a graded inspection at some point in their inspection cycle.
Ungraded inspections
Shorter inspections (usually one day) that check whether the school continues to provide a good standard of education. Formerly called "Section 8" inspections, these can be converted to a full graded inspection if inspectors identify concerns.
Urgent inspections
Triggered by serious concerns — safeguarding issues, a significant decline in standards, or complaints.
Before the Inspection
Notification
Schools typically receive one working day's notice of routine inspections. The lead inspector calls the head teacher, usually on Tuesday afternoon for a Wednesday-Thursday inspection.
During this call, the inspector will:
- Confirm practical arrangements
- Request key documents (the Single Central Record, curriculum plans, self-evaluation)
- Discuss any particular focus areas
- Ask about any significant recent changes
What the school does
Between the call and the inspection:
- Parents receive a text or email about the inspection
- Staff are briefed
- Documents are prepared
- The school's self-evaluation is finalised
You may receive a link to the Ofsted Parent View survey — do complete it, as inspectors read every response.
During the Inspection
Day 1
- 8:00 am: Inspectors arrive and meet the head teacher
- 8:30-9:00: Tour of the school, observing the start of the day
- Morning: Lesson visits (they observe parts of many lessons, typically 15-20 minutes each — they're not "judging" individual teachers)
- Break time: Observation of behaviour, pupil interactions
- Lunchtime: Discussion with staff, review of documents
- Afternoon: More lesson visits, work scrutiny (looking at pupils' exercise books), meetings with subject leaders
Day 2
- Morning: Follow-up lesson visits, meetings with governors, discussions with specific groups of pupils
- Lunchtime: Discussion with parents (sometimes)
- Mid-afternoon: Feedback preparation
- 3:30-4:00: Formal feedback to head teacher and chair of governors
What inspectors actually look at:
In classrooms:
- Is the curriculum well-planned and sequenced?
- Are teachers knowledgeable about what they're teaching?
- Are pupils learning and remembering what they've been taught?
- Is behaviour managed well?
- Are disadvantaged pupils and those with SEN supported effectively?
In books and work:
- Is work of a good standard across subjects?
- Is there evidence of progression over time?
- Is assessment being used to identify and address gaps?
- Are expectations high for all pupils?
Talking to pupils:
- Do they feel safe?
- Do they know what to do if they have a concern?
- Can they talk about what they're learning?
- Are they proud of their school?
Talking to staff:
- Do they feel supported by leaders?
- Is workload reasonable?
- Is professional development helpful?
- Are safeguarding procedures clear?
After the Inspection
The draft report
The school receives a draft report within 18 working days. The head teacher can check for factual accuracy but cannot challenge the inspectors' professional judgements.
The published report
The final report is published on the Ofsted website within 30 working days of the inspection. Under the new system, this takes the form of a detailed report card rather than a single headline grade.
What happens next
- If the report card identifies areas for improvement, the school must develop an action plan
- Schools causing concern may receive additional monitoring visits
- Schools with serious weaknesses or in special measures receive intensive support and closer monitoring
How Parents Can Contribute
- Complete Ofsted Parent View whenever it's available — your feedback directly influences inspections
- Attend parent meetings during inspections if invited
- Read the report when it's published
- Ask the school what they're doing about the areas identified for improvement
Useful Resources
- Ofsted Parent View
- How to find your school's Ofsted report
- Ofsted framework and handbook
- View Ofsted information for any school on the What School
Ofsted inspections can feel like a big deal — because they are. But they're designed to ensure every child receives a good education. As a parent, your voice is part of that process. Use it.