Ofsted inspections: Step-by-step is a comprehensive, interactive guide to the inspection experience, providing insight into what Ofsted requires of your school and governing board.  

Through the use of interactive examples, activities and knowledge checks, this module breaks down the inspection process - from the basics of an inspection through to what happens on the day and the next steps to take once the inspection has been completed. 

With helpful links and resources, and updates covering how inspections have been affected by Covid-19, this module contains everything you need to help you and your board approach your next Ofsted inspection with confidence. 

Our subject matter expertise 

Sam Henson, Director of Policy and Information 

Sam oversees NGA’s policy, information and research service, ensuring it adds to the learning of the organisation and best improves the governance of schools while supporting the chief executive in leading the organisation to achieve positive change in the policy of school governance . Sam is also the policy lead for NGA’s work on multi academy trusts and specialises in MAT governance structures and schemes of delegation.

Nina Sharma, Policy and Information Officer 

Nina’s role involves developing NGA’s policy agenda and positions adding to the learning of the organisation and improving the governance of schools. She is responsible for policy relating to Ofsted and the broad, balanced curriculum. Nina also assists with NGA’s guidance, research and weekly e-newsletter. 

Prior to joining NGA, Nina achieved a Ba(Hons) in Childhood, Family and Education Studies and recently received her MA in Professional Law from Birmingham City University. 

Emma Balchin, Director of Professional Development 

Emma is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team and directs NGA’s Professional Development services. She has over 20 years’ experience in education, leadership and school improvement. She is a National Leader of Governance and has significant experience in maintained school and academy governance, as well as serving as an IEB member and mentoring others. Her role includes exploring how lessons learned from her vast experience of working with educational leaders, governors and their boards can inform policy and guidance to support our broader membership base, scoping potential projects with new and existing partners, and ensuring that the professional development services impact positively upon standards of governance.