Department
• Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted)
Independently inspects and reports on the quality of education, safeguarding and children's services.
• Department for Education (DfE)
Sets the legislative, policy and accountability framework within which inspections operate.
Intent
To evaluate the quality of education, safeguarding, and overall effectiveness of schools against national standards, supporting accountability and system improvement.
Interaction
Ofsted inspectors carry out routine and responsive inspections of schools using published frameworks. Inspections typically begin with a planning or notification call to understand the school’s context, leadership, curriculum, and safeguarding arrangements. During visits, inspectors meet with leaders, staff, and pupils, review relevant evidence, and observe teaching and learning. Where concerns are identified, additional inspection activity may be undertaken. Findings also inform wider thematic reviews and system-level insights.
Responsibilities
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Supporting follow-up actions and working with relevant organisations where improvement is needed, including liaison with Regional Directors, Funding Agencies, local authorities, and safeguarding partners
Collaboration
Organisation / Body |
Role or Linked Process |
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) |
Inspectors use published frameworks to evaluate schools, carry out routine and responsive inspections, and draw system-wide insights through thematic reviews. |
Department for Education (DfE) |
The DfE sets the national legislative, policy and accountability frameworks for schools and oversees funding, governance and school performance. |
