Safeguarding
When Ofsted Inspects Safeguarding
*** Sept 2025 update ***
2025 Changes to Inspecting Safeguarding
Ofsted has published the School Inspection Framework and the new Toolkit. Take a look at these slides to see the main changes to how safeguarding is inspected in state schools and MATs
Are you ready for Ofsted?
Ofsted inspections can cause anxiety for school staff, especially when it comes to safeguarding. We have created two resources to help prepare and, hopefully therefore reduce anxiety.
Inspectors are looking to see a culture of safeguarding and a whole-school (not tickbox) approach; but what does that mean in practice, and how can you work towards this? Explore either:
Key mentions of safeguarding in the Inspection Handbook, followed by questions for self-review and resources to support you with these areas
12 short videos from a DSL who has recently been through three Ofsted's, giving an overview of what they focused on, what the process looked like, what was asked in meetings and how inspectors interacted with staff and students
When Ofsted Inspects Safeguarding
The journey - from receiving 'the call' through to grading. Find out which elements were probed and how, what questions were asked, including the unexpected, who inspectors engaged with around the school/how, and what steps you might take to be best prepared.
Safeguarding in the School Inspection Toolkit
In September 2025, Ofsted published its new inspection guidance to come into effect from November 2025. Safeguarding is a key element of the Education Inspection Framework, and more details of what is evaluated to determine whether safeguarding is 'met' or not are outlined in the School Inspection Toolkit. This page outlines these key components.
Governors - you may also find the sections above helpful to understand the role of Ofsted when it comes to safeguarding. Ofsted has published some videos around Ofsted and Governors here (not all safeguarding-related).
