Inspection
Ofsted inspects maintained schools and academies in England under its renewed education inspection framework, which replaced the 2019 framework in November 2025. A full inspection now ends in a report card: each evaluation area is graded exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention or urgent improvement, and safeguarding is reported as met or not met. Ofsted’s school inspection toolkit and operating guides were revised for September 2026; articles written before November 2025 describe the old framework.
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IDSR: what it shows and how to access your reportOfsted's IDSR provides school data for inspection preparation. It includes context, attendance, and achievement, but does not judge or grade schools.
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EAL is too broad a label. Better proficiency data across reading, writing, listening and speaking helps leaders target support, evidence progress and improve provision.
Thoughts on the Final Ofsted Toolkit - More Than Just a Tweak
Ofsted's final school inspection toolkit shifts language from exemplary to exceptional, raising concerns that high-quality practice may go unrecognised.
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Ofsted reforms introduce a five-point grading scale, new report cards, and a dedicated inclusion judgement for vulnerable learners from late 2025.
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One school leader describes a graded inspection conducted with professional compassion, though others report ongoing issues with inspector consistency.
A School Leader’s Guide to Early and Accurate Identification of SEND
Identify SEND early through teacher insight and the graduated response. Meet statutory duties and prepare for Ofsted's inclusion evaluation area.
What Do You Think of the New Ofsted Report Cards?
Ofsted's new report card system replaces single-word judgements with new grading terms, but many leaders view it as a rebrand that maintains pressure.
Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
Ofsted has removed overall effectiveness grades and judgement logos. Schools inspected from September 2024 face new monitoring and safeguarding criteria.
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