School inspections can feel daunting, but they don’t need to be a scramble. Ofsted’s updated State-Funded School Inspection Toolkit (September 2025) sets out exactly what inspectors look for, providing a roadmap for continuous improvement.
Below is a practical summary of the ten focus areas every leader should know.
1. Gathering Evidence
Inspections rely on observation and professional dialogue rather than endless paperwork. Inspectors want to see how your systems work in real time and how well they support pupils.
2. Safeguarding
Safeguarding is the non-negotiable foundation of a great school. Leaders must create an open culture, ensure robust child-protection procedures and maintain effective links with multi-agency partners.
3. Inclusion
High expectations for all pupils, particularly disadvantaged learners and those with SEND are vital. Early identification of needs and a continuous plan-do-review cycle underpin strong inclusion.
4. Curriculum & Teaching
A broad, ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum delivered by knowledgeable staff ensures pupils gain deep, lasting knowledge and skills. Assessment should inform teaching and close learning gaps.
5. Achievement
Achievement is about progress as well as outcomes. Inspectors look for secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, and for pupils to know more, remember more and be ready for the next stage.
6. Attendance & Behaviour
A calm, respectful culture is essential. Consistent policies for attendance and behaviour and swift action on bullying or discrimination create the conditions for effective learning.
7. Personal Development & Well-being
Education is more than academics. Schools should nurture character, resilience, and mental and physical health, while promoting equality and wider participation.
8. Early Years
Strong early foundations in language, literacy and mathematics, combined with rich play and daily storytelling, prepare children for a lifetime of learning.
9. Post-16 Provision
Sixth forms and colleges need high-quality study programmes, strong English and maths, and clear pathways to employment, apprenticeships or higher education.
10. Leadership & Governance
Effective leadership drives improvement. Governors and leaders must know their school well, fulfil statutory duties and use evidence to guide strategy and practice.
What You Should Do Now
The toolkit is more than an inspection checklist, it’s a guide to everyday excellence.
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Review each of the 10 areas and identify strengths and gaps.
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Prioritise safeguarding checks, staff training and clear record-keeping.
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Audit curriculum intent, implementation and impact across subjects and phases.
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Track inclusion and achievement so every pupil makes strong progress.
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Strengthen attendance and behaviour systems with timely interventions.
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Involve staff and governors in regular, evidence-based self-evaluation.
Start today. Embed these habits so that inspection readiness becomes part of your school’s culture, not a last-minute exercise.
Source: Original Ofsted Document
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