Ofsted Preparation Pack

The Ofsted Preparation Pack is a set of ready-to-use documents for school leaders preparing for inspection under Ofsted's renewed framework, using the updated school inspection toolkit in force from September 2026. It was put together by practising school leaders and is based on the State-funded Schools Inspection Toolkit v2.0 (June 2026) and the School Inspection Operating Guide for Inspectors.

What's inside

• School Leaders' Pack: School Inspection. A practical guide to what has changed under the renewed framework, with an action plan, a communications framework for governors, staff, parents and pupils, and a staff meeting agenda
• September 2026 Inspection Readiness Checklist. A whole-school self-evaluation checklist across the evaluation areas graded on the five-point scale (inclusion, curriculum and teaching, achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, early years and post-16 where applicable, and leadership and governance), plus safeguarding, which is judged met or not met
• What Maintained Schools Must or Should Publish Online. A statutory website checklist covering admissions, uniform, exam results, curriculum, pupil premium, governance and more
• Pre-Ofsted Preparation Quick Task List. A step-by-step list covering organising, collating evidence by area, safeguarding checks, agreeing key messages, setting up the inspection timetable and briefing key people
• Ofsted: Documents Schools Must Provide. A checklist of the documents schools need ready for 8am on the first day of inspection
• Preparing for Ofsted's Pre-Inspection Planning Call. A guide to the three-part planning call, with discussion points and the supporting documents needed for each stage

Format: editable Word files, one digital download. Adapt the wording to your own school, trust or local authority before use. The pack reflects official guidance current as of June 2026, so check GOV.UK and Ofsted regularly for updates.

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