Ofsted has recently introduced a new inspection framework designed to give parents a clearer and more balanced picture of what schools are really like day to day.
Instead of a single overall judgement, schools are now evaluated across a range of important areas, such as the quality of education, pupils’ achievement, behaviour and attendance, personal development, inclusion, and leadership. Each area is reported on separately, helping parents understand a school’s strengths as well as where it is continuing to improve. Safeguarding is still assessed separately and must be securely in place.
The new approach is intended to be fairer and more informative, recognising that schools are complex communities and that no single judgement can capture everything they do. It also places a strong emphasis on pupils’ wellbeing, inclusion and preparation for life beyond school.
We welcome this framework as it reflects our commitment to providing a supportive, high-quality education for every child and to continually developing our practice in partnership with families.
