| How often does a school get inspected? |
Schools get inspected about every three years |
| How long does an inspection last? |
This depends on the size of the school but is never less than one day and is never more than two days. |
| Who is responsible for school inspections? |
Ofsted is responsible for the inspection of state schools. Ofsted itself undertakes inspections but has contracted Regional Inspection Service Providers (RISPs) to undertake inspections on its behalf. |
| Who inspects schools? |
Her Majesty’s Inspectors lead inspections for Ofsted and Additional Inspectors lead inspections for the RISPs. |
| How many inspectors are involved? |
This depends on this size of the school. For small primary schools or special units it may be one inspector for one day. For large secondary schools is t could be five inspectors for two days. |
| Are all school inspected using the same criteria? |
Yes - all schools are inspected against the same common inspection schedule. You can find this at Link to Every Child Matters: Framework for the inspection of schools in England form September 2005. |
| Are all inspections the same? |
All inspections follow the same criteria but Ofsted identifies about a third of schools, based on their past record, to have a reduced tariff inspection. This means inspectors are only in school for one day irrespective of its size. |
| How much notice does a school get about an inspection. |
The school will be contacted two clear working days before its inspection. |
| What do inspectors do on an inspection? |
Inspectors analyse the school’s evaluation of its self and the pupils’ results and progress. They hold discussions with the headteacher, governors, staff and pupils. They consider the views of parents and carers. They observe lessons and look at school documentation. |
| What do inspectors make judgements about? |
The inspectors make an overall judgement about the effectiveness of the school. They also judge the pupils´ achievement and standards and personal development and well-being. They judge how well the school is led and managed, and also the quality of the teaching, curriculum, and care, support and guidance the school provides. |
| How are schools graded? |
School are given a grade from 1 – 4.
- Grade 1 (outstanding)
- Grade2 (good)
- Grade 3 (satisfactory)
- Grade 4 (inadequate)
|
| What happens if a school is graded 4? |
A. If a school is graded 4 it is placed in one of the following two categories
Special measures
This means the school does not provide its pupils with an acceptable standard of education, and is not showing the capacity to make the improvements needed.
Inspectors will visit the school regularly to check its progress, until it can be removed from the category. The school will be reinspected after about two years.
Notice to improve
This means either:
- the school is failing to provide its pupils with an acceptable standard of education but it does have the capacity to improve; or
- it is not failing, but is performing significantly less well than we reasonably expect.
If a school is given a notice to improve, it will receive a monitoring visit after about six months by an inspector and it will be reinspected after about a year. |
| How do I make my views known? |
If you are the registered parent of a child at the school, the school will send you a letter with a questionnaire from Ofsted. You can tell us your views by returning the completed questionnaire to the inspectors during the inspection. The questionnaire is confidential and is not seen by the school. If a response raises issues about a child’s safety inspectors may pass on the information. Link to copy of parental questionnaire. |
| Can I speak to the inspectors? |
There is no formal meeting of parents with the inspectors but you may be able to speak to inspectors at start or end of the school day. If you cannot speak directly with them, you can leave a message with the administrators of the inspection to pass on to the inspectors. Contact details for this are available in the letter. Link to copy of parental questionnaire |
| Can inspectors deal with a complaint a parent may have concerning individual pupils? |
No – you would have to take this up with the school. |
| Q. Can inspectors deal with a dispute a parent has with the school? |
No – you would have to take this up with the school and/or governors. |
| Q. How are parents informed about the outcomes of an inspection? |
Ofsted publishes a report of the inspectors’ findings for parents for all of its inspections. If you are a registered parent at the school, the school should take all reasonable steps to ensure that you receive a copy of the report. You can also find reports of other school at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports |
| Q. What is the pupils’ letter? |
Each report includes a letter to pupils summarising what inspectors thought about the school and what can be done to improve it. The letter is at the back of the report. |
| Q. What if a parent has concerns about the inspection? |
Complaints about inspections are rare but are taken very seriously. You can find out more information at www.ofsted.gov.uk or by calling 08456 4040445 |
| Q. What if a parent has concerns about the school? |
If you are concerned about your child’s school you should first talk to the teachers or headteacher. If necessary you could speak to the governing body or local authority. If you are not satisfied you can find more information at www.ofsted.gov.uk or by calling 08456 4040445 |
