Understanding the New Ofsted Framework: Key Changes to Inspections

In this blog, you will learn:

• The purpose and process of an Ofsted inspection.
• When the new Ofsted framework came into effect.
• Key changes to the Ofsted inspections in England.
• How much notice schools get before an Ofsted visit.
• Discover more about our education recruitment services.

With the new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework in effect, schools across England are preparing for their first inspections under the updated system. With inspections now placing more emphasis on how safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour and wellbeing are assessed, knowing what to expect and preparing in advance has never been more important.

In this blog, we explore the key changes to Ofsted inspections and how schools can navigate the updated framework with confidence.

What is the purpose of Ofsted inspections?

School inspections in England are carried out by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). Ofsted evaluates the quality of education, safety and leadership in schools, nurseries and children’s social care services. 

Ofsted inspections reassure the public and the government that schools meet required standards for childcare and safeguarding. Schools typically have a full Ofsted inspection once every 4 years, unless they need follow-up inspections or monitoring visits.

When did the new Ofsted framework come into effect?

The new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) came into effect on November 10th 2025. Announced in September 2025, the updated framework replaced the previous inspection approach with a sharper focus, a new grading scale and an improved evaluation process.

During November and December 2025, Ofsted only inspected schools that volunteered for inspection to ensure a smooth transition. From January 2026, routine inspections resumed for schools, further education and skills providers.

What are the key changes to the Ofsted framework?

Key changes to the Ofsted framework include:

• The introduction of the ‘report card.’
• A five-point grading scale.
• Evaluation across more areas.
• Independent safeguarding assessment.
• Greater consideration of each school’s circumstances.

The introduction of the ‘report card’

A significant change to the Ofsted framework is the introduction of the ‘report card,’ which highlights strengths and identifies where schools need to improve.

In September 2024, the previous system of single-word judgements such as ‘good,’ ‘outstanding’ or ‘inadequate,’ were dropped. In place of this system, Ofsted introduced the report card approach, which allows schools to score differently in different areas, rather than be judged overall.

Report cards provide a detailed, colour-coded breakdown of school performance, helping schools review their results while giving parents clearer insight into the quality of education.

A five-point grading scale

Under the new Ofsted framework, schools in England are assessed using a new five-point grading scale and evaluated against clear standards that outline different performance levels.

The new five-point grading system for Ofsted inspections are:

• Exceptional: All strong standards and additional standards in the ‘exceptional’ section of the toolkit have been met.
• Strong standard: All expected standards and all strong standards have been met.
• Expected standard: All legal and statutory requirements, along with any applicable professional standards for the specific provision, have been met.
• Needs attention: The ‘expected standard’ has not been met because some aspects of the provision are inconsistent, limited in scope or impact, or do not fully meet the legal requirements.
• Urgent improvement: The school requires urgent action to provide a suitable standard of education and/or care for children and learners.

Evaluation across more areas

Schools are now assessed across 6 core evaluation areas for the new inspection framework. 

The 6 evaluation areas Ofsted inspect in schools are:

• Inclusion.
• Curriculum and teaching.
• Achievement.
• Attendance and behaviour.
• Personal development and wellbeing.
• Leadership and governance.

Independent safeguarding assessment

A significant part of the Ofsted process is ensuring that safeguarding requirements are met.

As part of the Ofsted framework, the Lead Inspector will usually have a planning call with the school before the inspection. During this call, the Inspector will ask the school if there are any relevant safeguarding concerns they have identified, including any allegations involving adults. This helps Inspectors understand the school’s context and focus areas before the on-site visit.

Unlike other evaluation areas, safeguarding is judged on a 'met' or 'not met' basis. Every school must comply fully with statutory safeguarding requirements and there is no partial pass.

Schools receive a ‘met’ judgement when there is a positive, proactive culture that keeps children safe. A ‘not met’ judgement is given where serious or unaddressed failings put pupils at risk.

Schools judged as ‘not met’ are placed into a ‘category of concern,’ such as ‘urgent improvement’ or ‘needs attention.’ In most cases, they are given a period of up to 3 months to address the identified issues before further action is taken.

Ofsted also introduced a ‘suspend and return’ policy. Under this approach, an Inspector can pause an inspection and give a school up to 3 months to fix minor safeguarding issues, as long as no other concerns are found. Ofsted will delay publishing the final report until the Inspector returns and confirms the school has resolved the issue.

Greater consideration of each school’s circumstances

The new Ofsted framework takes into consideration the fact that every school operates in different circumstances. The aim is to better recognise a school’s context and make the inspection process more collaborative.

For example, school results in national examinations will be a strong predictor of a school’s grade in the ‘achievement’ evaluation area. Ofsted Inspectors will make a decision and assess the school by aiming to understand the school’s context and improvement priorities.

By gathering data and evidence across the core inspection areas, Inspectors can make well-informed, balanced judgements that accurately reflect each school’s unique circumstances.

How much notice will schools get before an Ofsted visit?

Previously, Ofsted would notify a school of an inspection by phone between 9:30am and 2pm on the day before they planned to inspect it. Ofsted now notifies schools on a Monday between 9:30am and 10am, with the routine inspection taking place on the Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.

The new policy was introduced with the aim of reducing stress, improving collaboration and ensuring better, more consistent planning.

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