Navigating Ofsted inspection: a tool for governing boards
Find out what to expect from inspection and how to demonstrate effective governance through the course of routine board business.

Ofsted inspection provides independent, external evaluation and identifies what needs to improve in order for provision to be good or better. Ofsted inspect governance under the ‘leadership and management’ judgement.
Our Navigating Ofsted tool is designed to help boards build confidence ahead of inspection. It sets out how to demonstrate effective governance through the course of routine board business.
The tool covers six areas:
- Governing board self-evaluation
- Vision and strategy
- Quality of education
- Stakeholder engagement
- Safeguarding
- Statutory duties
Each area includes a range of É«ÇéPorn resources that boards can use to review and – where opportunities are identified – improve practice. We’ve also included examples of questions inspectors may ask.
Two versions of the tool area available: for single schools (maintained schools and single academy trusts) and for multi academy trusts (MATs) - select the tool that is appropriate for your organisation.
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