The Maths Subject Leader Conversation Pack (2026/27) is for a 20-minute conversation between a headteacher and their maths leader about which ideas are secure and where pupils get stuck. 2026/27 edition, checked against Ofsted's school inspection materials for inspections from 7 September 2026.
Ofsted's operating guide has no maths-specific list of inspection activities. Maths is seen through learning walks, pupils' work, conversations with pupils and leadership discussion, and in primary schools early number may well come up on the first learning walk. The toolkit now also compares attainment and progress with similar schools.
What's inside
- What the guidance means for maths
- Six conversation prompts, each with what the leader might point to
- Inclusion in maths: questions on pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils, gaps from missed school and pupils known to children's social care
- An optional "pupils you can talk about" sheet (a HeadteacherChat exercise, not an Ofsted requirement)
- A 20-minute conversation plan and three things to do before half-term
Use it alongside our Mathematics Subject Leader Questions for a fuller self-review. Editable Word document, 5 pages, landscape. Not produced or endorsed by Ofsted.
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