How Ofsted Inspect Safeguarding in Schools

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why Ofsted carry out safeguarding inspections. 
• What Ofsted inspectors look for. 
• What the safeguarding inspection process looks like. 
• How to prepare for an Ofsted safeguarding inspection. 
• Where the latest education jobs are and how to apply for them.  

For many schools, just hearing the words ‘Ofsted safeguarding inspection’ can spark a mix of nerves and questions. What will inspectors be assessing? How does the inspection process work? Are we prepared? 

The good news is that safeguarding inspections don't have to be daunting. They’re not designed to trip schools up, but to make sure children are safe, protected and supported in the classroom.

If you’re a school with an upcoming safeguarding inspection, this blog is designed to help you better understand how they work and explores practical steps to help you feel prepared when the time comes.

Why do Ofsted carry out safeguarding inspections in schools?

Ofsted conduct safeguarding inspections to ensure that schools fulfill their legal obligation to keep children safe from harm, abuse and neglect. These inspections also assess whether schools have effective policies and procedures in place and provide parents with clear information about their child's welfare. 

Ofsted safeguarding inspections are important because they highlight good practice, identify weak areas and drive improvements where needed. 

What do Ofsted inspectors look for?

When completing a safeguarding inspection, an Ofsted inspector will gather information on how well a school's safeguarding processes work in practice. They will review the school's safeguarding policies and records and check that all staff understand their responsibilities and know how to identify and report concerns. 

Ofsted inspectors will also speak to the students and gather information on whether they feel safe as well as explore how the school addresses various risks such as online safety and bullying. 

For example, a school may have a clear reporting process in its policy but an inspector might find through speaking to students, children are unsure who to speak to if they feel unsafe. This shows how important it is for inspectors to look beyond documents to ensure safeguarding is genuinely effective. 

Additionally, Ofsted inspectors examine how school leaders and governors oversee safeguarding efforts and ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. 

What does the safeguarding inspection process look like?

Before a safeguarding inspection, Ofsted will reach out to the school to inform them about the documents and information they will need to review during the visit. They will also speak with the Headteacher to plan the inspection. 

Upon arrival, the inspectors will meet with senior leaders and the Designated Safeguarding Lead to discuss the school's safeguarding policies, procedures and training. The inspectors will review important documents including the single central record, child protection policies, risk assessments and records of safeguarding concerns to ensure they are effective and current. 

Inspectors will then speak with staff, students and occasionally parents to assess how well safeguarding practices are understood and implemented in everyday school school life. They may ask whether staff know how to raise a concern, how confident pupils are in approaching trusted adults and if governors can explain their safeguarding oversight. They may also observe lessons and breaktimes to see how students are supervised. 

Following the inspection, Ofsted will provide feedback and report on the overall effectiveness of the school's safeguarding measures.

How to prepare for an Ofsted safeguarding inspection

If you’re preparing for an Ofsted safeguarding inspection, you must ensure that safeguarding is fully embedded in the schools policies, procedures and culture. To do this, schools could carry out an internal safeguarding audit to check that all policies are current, records are complete and up to date and statutory requirements are met. 

Additionally, consider providing a brief refresher course for staff to boost their confidence in discussing safeguarding responsibilities and reporting concerns. It is also important to test systems such as reviewing case files to confirm timely actions were taken or checking that risk assessments are followed. 

Most importantly, strong safeguarding practices should be a priority at all times, not just during inspections.  

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