OfSTED Inspections Explained

The inspections focus on:

1. educational standards achieved by pupils
2. the quality of education provided by the school (particularly the quality of teaching)
3. the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils
4. whether the financial resources of the school are managed efficiently

Prior to the inspection, parents of all pupils at the school have an opportunity to express their views.

The registered inspector who leads the inspection team, will chair a parents’ meeting and will ask your views on

1. your child’s attainment and progress, the attitudes and values which the school promotes and behaviour and attendance at the school
2. the information which the school provides for you and the help and guidance available for your school
3. the part you play in the life of the school and the school’s response to your suggestions or complaints
4. other matters, including homework

In addition to this, the registered team must determine what pupils know, understand and can do. They will find out what the children are learning, and how well they are progressing. They also assess pupils’ attitudes and behaviour and evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching they receive. When the school has a re-inspection the team must comment on improvement since the last inspection.

The governing body is responsible for sending a summary of the inspection report to parents. Full copies of the report can be requested from the school but a charge, not exceeding the cost of photocopying, may be made.

At a later date, parents will also receive a summary of the action plan, showing how the school is going to respond to the issues raised by the inspection. Progress in implementing the action plan must be reported in the governors’ annual report to parents.