Ofsted school inspection report

A school's Ofsted report

Ofsted inspects all state schools in England at least every three years. The inspection leads to a published report.

In assessing a school, inspectors consider a range of evidence drawn from:

the school's self-evaluation (the school's assessment of its own performance)
performance data
pupils' work
lesson observations
input from parents
discussion with pupils and staff

The inspection report includes an overall judgement on the effectiveness of the school, as well as specific judgements on:

achievement and standards
pupils' personal development and well-being
the quality of teaching and learning
curriculum provision
the care, guidance and support provided by the school
the leadership and management of the school

The report also indicates what the school should do to improve. The school is expected to use Ofsted's recommendations as a basis for making improvements as quickly as possible.

Ofsted reports are easily available from within The School Index members area.

How Ofsted inspects state schools

Ofsted inspect schools, including those for service children overseas, at least once every three years, usually giving about two days' notice. However, if Her Majesty's Chief Inspector (HMCI) is concerned about the safety or well-being of pupils in a school, HMCI will exercise the right to inspect a school without notice.

Schools are required to notify parents of the inspection, and to include details of how they can pass their views to inspectors. Parents can ask to speak to inspectors during the inspection and inspectors will do what they can to accommodate the request as far as practical.

The inspection will last no longer than two days, and the team will be from one to five inspectors depending on the size of the school. They will look at the schools' self-evaluation, consider the schools performance results and examine the previous inspection report to prepare before the visit. The self-evaluation form is used as the basis for discussion between the lead inspector, the senior team of the school and, where possible, the governors.

Once they are in the school, the inspectors will sit in on lessons and examine the way lessons are planned, among other things. At the end of the inspection they report on the school's overall effectiveness, achievements and standards, and:

the quality of:

teaching and learning
the way it delivers the curriculum and other activities
the care, guidance and support it gives
the leadership and management

the extent to which it enables learners to be healthy
the extent to which it ensures that learners stay safe
how well learners enjoy their education
the extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the school
how well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic wellbeing.

The governing body must send a copy of the report to all parents and carers of pupils at the school within five working days of receiving it.

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