DfE, Ofsted & LA Guidance

Ofsted Reports

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. They regulate and inspect to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.

Ofsted introduced a renewed inspection framework in 2025, removing the single overall effectiveness grade, such as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ from school inspections. In its place, inspectors now use a detailed ‘report card’ format that rates multiple areas of a school’s performance. The new approach is designed to give parents more meaningful, actionable insights into a school’s strengths and areas for development, rather than a single headline judgement.

This framework is significantly more challenging than the previous one. Importantly, inspectors no longer apply a “best‑fit” approach; instead, schools must demonstrate a “secure fit” for each inspection area, meaning every statement within a judgement area must be met.

The inspection team recognised many positive aspects of our school, including:

Safeguarding – We have established an open and positive culture of safeguarding for our pupils and all legal requirements are met.
Attendance and Behaviour – We provide caring support to help our pupils attend more regularly and behaviour across our school is calm and orderly and pupils feel safe.
Achievement – Attainment in Reading, Writing and Maths has risen/improved since 2023.
Curriculum and Teaching – We have adopted ambitious curriculums and improved teacher’s subject knowledge.
Early Years – Activities help children develop their social skills, independence and ability to work with others.

Children also learn to explore ideas, solve problems and try new things. Staff build positive relationships with children and families.

Inclusion –We work with families and external professionals to support pupils and reduce barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Personal Development and Wellbeing – Pupils feel safe and happy and report that bullying is rare. Pupils learn to manage their feelings and talk about their wellbeing. Relationships across the school are caring and respectful.

Leadership and Governance – Decisions are made with pupils at the centre and we have identified key priorities for improvement.

Ofsted Website