A guide to Ofsted inspection
What governing boards can expect from inspection, what inspectors look for, and steps to take following an inspection.

Ofsted is responsible for inspecting maintained schools and academies to make sure that they are providing a high standard of education. Ofsted also carry out summary evaluations of multi academy trusts.
Inspection provides independent, external evaluation and identifies what needs to improve in order for provision to be good or better. It is based on gathering a range of evidence that is evaluated against the education inspection framework.
Our guide to Ofsted inspection has been developed to help governing boards know what to expect, understand what inspectors look for, and take appropriate steps following an inspection.
The guide covers:
- types of inspection
- demonstrating effective governance to Ofsted
- judgement areas
- governing board meeting with inspectors
- inspection feedback and judgements
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