Last revised and updated: 16 September 2025

These FAQs replace all previous updates. 

Has Ofsted published a response to the consultation on its inspection proposals?
Has Ofsted published a revised inspection framework or handbook?
Will my school be inspected in September or October?
Will Ofsted keep its promise of a full term’s notice before new inspection arrangements begin?
Will this leave enough time for inspectors to be trained?
How will Ofsted engage with schools about its intended new framework?
Is NAHT continuing its campaign against Ofsted proposed inspection model?
 

Has Ofsted published a response to the consultation on its inspection proposals?

No.  On 11 June Ofsted wrote to the Secretary of State saying that it would delay publication of a response to its consultation (which closed in May) until ‘early September’ 2025.

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Has Ofsted published a revised inspection framework or handbook?

No.  It is not clear about whether it intends to publish the new inspection arrangements alongside or after its consultation response. 

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Will my school be inspected in September or October?

Ofsted says it will not conduct routine inspections in September or October 2025.

However, it will conduct ‘urgent inspection…activity in schools’, including ‘…emergency inspections’ and ‘…monitoring inspections of providers that are in a category of concern, and those currently graded ‘requires improvement’ that are due a visit.’

Note that we are aware that Ofsted is announcing and conducting inspections of schools where an inspection was previously deferred.  These inspections are being conducted under the ‘old’ framework, not the one due to come into effect in November 2025.

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Will Ofsted keep its promise of a full term’s notice before new inspection arrangements begin?

No.  Ofsted intends to break this promise.  It says ‘Routine inspections under the revised framework will resume in November in schools’. 

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Will this leave enough time for inspectors to be trained?

Ofsted emailed a training schedule to inspectors in late July.  NAHT regards the timescale as wholly insufficient to ensure the consistent and reliable delivery of inspections.

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How will Ofsted engage with schools about its intended new framework?

Ofsted says it will run a single one-hour webinar for each of the following school types: maintained nursery schools; state-funded secondary schools; non-association independent schools; UTCs; Special schools; and Alternative Provision.  It will run two one-hour webinars for primary schools.  Details can be found here.   
NAHT regards this as wholly insufficient engagement with school professionals.

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Is NAHT continuing its campaign against Ofsted proposed inspection model?

Very much so. School leaders have consistently told us that they do not have confidence in the inspectorate, and that they oppose the plans for graded judgements across an increased number of evaluation areas.  NAHT continues to work within the corridors of power and publicly to represent members by pressing for full system reform.  We will continue to update and engage members through our weekly newsletter and bespoke email communications.

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