The Ofsted Inspection Framework: Updates
In September 2025, Ofsted published Improving the way Ofsted inspects education: report on the responses to the consultation. Alongside this a suite of new inspection framework documents and inspection toolkits were released which you can find below.
As anticipated the framework and supporting materials are regularly being updated to reflect DfE policy changes and reviews following inspections. The latest version comes into effect from September 2026.
From statutory documents for schools and settings, to latest research reports, blogs and videos – we hope you find this curated ‘one stop shop’ valuable and timesaving.
As a reminder, our Senior Leader Briefing is a great way to ensure you are kept up to date with the latest information from Ofsted, including these latest updates about the Ofsted Inspection Framework.
These Senior Leader Briefings provide school leaders with clarity, advice and guidance to understand the implications of the latest national issues and policy direction.
What you need to know about the September 2026 updates to education inspections
Find out about the changes to the inspection process, including how the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted have been working together to develop a similar schools model for attainment.
Below are key documents from Ofsted:
The education inspection framework sets out how Ofsted inspects registered early years settings, maintained schools, academies, non-association independent schools and further education and skills provision in England
View now
Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting registered early years settings in England under the renewed education inspection framework
View now
Guidance for inspectors and schools on inspecting maintained schools and academies in England under the renewed education inspection framework
View now
Part 1 – A series of research reviews focused on the pre-school age range, from birth to 4 years
More info
Part 2 – Examine the factors that contribute to developing young children’s knowledge and skills in the 3 Prime Areas
More info
Part 3 – This considers the 4 Specific Areas of Learning and how they are strengthened
More infoOfsted Inspection Framework 2025 Changes
This video provides a summary of the changes to the Inspection Framework. In the video, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, provides details of the response to the consultation, and how, from 10 November 2025, Ofsted inspections will look and feel different.
You can also explore Ofsted’s official YouTube Channel on which they share updates on current inspection models and future plans.
Keep up to date with the Ofsted Inspection Framework
Being up to date with the changes in the Ofsted Inspection Framework is crucial for schools and settings. Share this page with your team to ensure you’re ready for the new framework and sign up to our newsletters below to see how we can help you navigate the new inspection landscape.