What OFSTED is looking for

There is nothing worse than trying to guess what inspectors are looking for. Yes, we know there is a framework, yes we can read the reports and yes, we can apply what we have learned from previous OFSTED reports. But can we be absolutely sure? Your guiding though must always be: will this lead to good history. That is what you’re thinking for 194 days a year, why not the day of OFSTED’s visit.

So, with this as the starting point, I have offered detailed guidance trying to unpick OFSTED’s criteria as I see them. We have been promised a detailed handbook offering OFSTED’s view of best practice. I have seen a hastily withdrawn draft, but nothing has reached schools over a year later. Rest assured I’ll be straight onto it when it does.