Ofsted have released an updated version of the School Inspection Handbook on 19.1.24. 

Here’s a summary of the key changes:

The initial call

In the initial call, the inspector will inquire about the school’s potential need for deferral. Headteachers can request a deferral during the initial phone call or shortly thereafter, before the inspection begins. As previously, deferral requests made after 4.30 pm on the notification day are typically not considered. For more details, refer to paragraphs 89, 100, and 101 in the inspection handbook.

Staff members are permitted to bring colleagues to meetings

Headteachers can have other staff members present during pre-inspection calls, ideally involving the deputy head, assistant head, or a trust staff member who can comprehend the content of the calls (paragraph 94). Similarly, during the end-of-day meetings on day 1 and day 2, the presence of the deputy head, assistant head, or trust staff is encouraged, with an attempt to limit the number of attendees. Inviting as many available governors/trustees as possible is recommended (paragraphs 22, 100, and 101). 

All staff members can have an appropriate person present during meetings with inspectors (paragraph 118).

Schools have the option to request the presence of other leaders during the final feedback session, extending beyond the listed attendees in paragraph 157 (paragraph 159).

Attendance at the final feedback meeting is voluntary, and individuals may leave and return at their discretion (paragraph 160).

It’s crucial to note  and this remains unchanged, that staff members should not be present for meetings between inspectors and parents, pupils, or governors (unless under exceptional circumstances), consistent with previous guidelines (paragraphs 121 and 143).

You will receive a contact number for a senior Ofsted leader

You will receive a contact number for a senior Ofsted leader, typically provided during the preparation for the inspection, usually in the initial call. The headteacher or any other senior leadership member can use this number to address concerns that cannot be resolved with the lead inspector.

If the issue remains unresolved, schools have the option to contact Ofsted on the working day following the inspection’s conclusion to:

1. Raise informal concerns about the process or outcomes of the inspection
2. Inquire about the next steps
3. Highlight anything that may not have been fully considered during the inspection

An independent inspector, not involved in the initial inspection, will then investigate these concerns (see paragraphs 178 and 179 for more details).

Communicating outcomes

You can communicate inspection outcomes with individuals outside your school, including colleagues, family members, medical advisers, and your broader support network. However, you are not permitted to make this information public or share it with parents. Refer to paragraph 161 for further details.

Inspections may be temporarily halted under extraordinary circumstances

A pause happens if an inspection is suspended after it has begun.

The lead inspector can initiate a pause in situations such as:

1. Circumstances preventing inspectors from obtaining sufficient evidence for a valid and reliable judgment, requiring school leaders to seek support from their local authority or trust.
2. Incidents significantly impacting the school’s day-to-day operations.

Headteachers can request a pause by contacting the lead inspector or a senior Ofsted leader using the provided phone number. Normally, inspections will resume on the next working day, but it may extend up to 5 working days.

Key Reading: Pausing state-funded school inspections 

Key Reading: School inspection handbook

On January 8^th all inspectors took part in a Mental Health awareness briefing with the new HMCI sir Martyn Oliver.  Mental health will now form a prominent feature within the inspection process.

Support your staff to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health and a wide range of wellbeing support, through TT Education’s Senior Mental Health Leaders National Network.