The Education Inspection Framework (EIF) sets out how Ofsted inspects maintained schools, academies, non-association independent schools, further education and skills provision and registered early years settings in England. It should be read alongside the relevant Inspection Handbooks for each type of setting.

What's new?


There wasn’t a formal update to the framework in the summer of 2024. However, in September 2024 there was an amendment to the way that schools receive judgements following inspection, implemented with immediate effect.

Schools in England will no longer receive Ofsted single headline grades, also known as single word judgements. Early years provision in state schools and academies for children aged 2 and above and Maintained Nursery Schools are included in the removal of headline grades for schools.

Schools will receive a rating in the four existing subcategories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

In September 2025, a new School Report Card system will be introduced to provide a better accountability system that provides a complete picture of how schools are performing.

Let's now take a look at the most recent amendments to the framework that you need to be aware of from 2023.

1. Expectations for conduct during inspections

The guidance adds a new paragraph which outlines the expected conduct of inspectors and providers during the inspection. It provides a link to the Ofsted Code of Conduct.

It adds that providers are expected to be open and transparent and to share all required information.

2. Behaviour and Attitudes

Reference to ‘peer on peer’ has been changed to ‘learner on learner’ where the inspection looks at how well an environment which does not tolerate bullying, abuse or discrimination has been created.

3. Evaluating Safeguarding Culture

Under Leadership and Management there is an additional section about the evaluation of how well leaders have created an open and positive culture around safeguarding.

This includes aspects such as protection of pupils from harm both on and off line, sharing of information and seeking support, training, listening to children and young people and having appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place.

Question 1

Select the correct statement:

  • Inspectors will evaluate how well leaders protect individual children.

  • Inspectors will evaluate how well leaders have set up a culture of safeguarding in addition to the protection of individual children.

  • Inspectors will evaluate how well leaders share information about individual children.

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