What are Ofsted looking for in 2025?

In 2025, Ofsted is shifting to a new framework, replacing single overall grades with "report cards" grading areas like Inclusion, Safeguarding (Met/Not Met), Curriculum, Achievement, and Wellbeing, with a new "Exceptional" grade for best practice. Key focuses include detailed curriculum design, supporting SEND/disadvantaged pupils, strong safeguarding, and embedded quality over paperwork, with inspectors using shared observations and collaborative discussions.

What are the changes in Ofsted 2025?

From November 10, 2025, Ofsted will be using a refreshed framework for its inspections. The aim is to give a clearer picture of your setting and a more detailed report for parents. Instead of receiving an overall judgment like "Outstanding" or "Good," your setting will get a detailed "report card".

What are Ofsted looking for?

What exactly are Ofsted looking for regarding attendance and behaviour? Inspectors will look at whether schools are: Prioritising pupils' attendance and punctuality so they can benefit fully from education. Fostering a positive and respectful culture where staff know, support, and care about pupils.

What is the new Ofsted focus?

The new model focuses on professional dialogue between inspectors and school leaders; exploring what's working well and where improvements can be made. Although inspections may inevitably carry a feeling of being tested, Ofsted aims for the process to feel more respectful, fair and constructive.

What are the changes to Ofsted in 2026?

From April 2026, the inspectorate will remove the overall effectiveness judgement in ILACS . The move follows the response to the Big Listen consultation and Ofsted's commitment to making inspections fairer, including by removing overall effectiveness grades across all remits it inspects and regulates.

GovernorHub and Ofsted webinar: What does the new Ofsted 2025 framework mean for you and your board?

What will the new Ofsted report look like?

As such, the new-style report cards will include more detail about the various graded areas, opposed to the single-word grade in previous formats. A detailed report will sit below an overview grid and provide a narrative for each evaluation area. It will explain the strengths and areas for development.

What is the biggest issue in education today?

The biggest problems in education today are multifaceted, centering on ** teacher shortages and burnout**, severe student mental health crises, persistent achievement gaps and learning loss, and inadequate funding and resources, all compounded by evolving societal needs, safety concerns, and the digital divide, creating systemic challenges in preparing students for an uncertain future. 

What is America's version of Ofsted?

What about inspections in the United States? Our closest analog to Ofsted is the reauthorization process for charter schools in several states. For example, charter schools authorized by New York State's Board of Regents are subject to site visits for reauthorization based on protocols that mirror Ofsted's.

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

What are the 4 types of inspections?

The 4 main types of quality control inspections in manufacturing are Pre-Production Inspection (PPI), During Production Inspection (DPI), Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), and Container Loading Inspection (CLI), each occurring at different stages to check materials, production progress, final goods, and loading, ensuring quality throughout the supply chain.
 

What are Ofsted looking for in personal development?

What do inspectors look for in this area that your Personal Development provision can evidence? - How pupils' knowledge, understanding and skills have developed and improved - How well teachers' feedback, written and oral, is used by pupils to improve their knowledge, understanding and skills.

What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?

The biggest home inspection red flags involve structural, safety, and major system issues like foundation problems (large cracks, settling), significant water intrusion (leaks, mold, rot), and outdated/unsafe electrical systems (knob & tube, aluminum wiring, old panels), as these are costly to fix and pose serious risks; other major flags are pest infestations, damaged roofs, and major plumbing failures. Fresh paint or new flooring can hide underlying damage, making them red flags to investigate further. 

What are the 4 points of inspection?

The "4 points of inspection" refer to a home's roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), a focused assessment typically required by insurers for older homes to gauge risk before providing coverage. This inspection evaluates the age, condition, and functionality of these four key systems, helping insurers determine insurability and premium costs, and homeowners understand potential liabilities.
 

What are high expectations Ofsted?

As Ofsted explains: “High expectations for behaviour and attitudes should include the development of core values such as respect for self and others, resilience and motivation to succeed.” Positive learning behaviour is about creating an environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning.

What are the new 3 I's?

A lot has changed with Ofsted in 2025. There's a renewed framework and a whole suite of supporting documents to get familiar with. It's left plenty of nursery managers wondering what happens to the parts of inspection we understood, and found useful, like the 3 I's of intent, implementation and impact.

What is the most exciting thing happening in education today?

The renewed focus on school connectedness, building relationships with students, and resiliency are some of the most exciting things occurring in education today.

What are the 5 P's classroom rules?

The 5 Ps of classroom management are common behavioral expectations: Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Productive, and Positive (or Patient), creating a framework for a respectful and efficient learning environment where students arrive on time, have materials, respect others, stay on task, and maintain an optimistic outlook. These principles guide student conduct, helping minimize distractions and foster a positive classroom culture focused on learning. 

What are the 5 ts of teaching?

Animated video developed by the Uganda Literacy Achievement and Retention Activity under RTI International describing the 5 Ts - Time, Teaching, Text, Tongue and Testing.

What is the 10 minute rule in teaching?

The "10-minute teacher rule" generally refers to two different concepts: a homework guideline suggesting 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night, supported by the NEA/PTA, or a classroom management technique where teachers switch activities every 10 minutes to maintain student attention, reflecting brain research on focus. It can also mean a classroom policy (often called the "10/10 rule") preventing student interruptions or departures during the first and last 10 minutes of class to ensure clear instruction and wrap-up, notes Eastern Washington University.
 

What is the #1 least educated state?

According to multiple recent studies, West Virginia is consistently ranked as the #1 least educated state in the U.S., often followed by other Southern states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, due to low percentages of adults with bachelor's degrees or higher and challenges with high school completion and educational quality.
 

What country is #1 in education?

There's no single "No. 1" country, as rankings vary by focus (e.g., higher ed, PISA scores), but the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany consistently rank top for overall education and research by sources like U.S. News & World Report, while countries like Finland, Singapore, and Japan often lead in student performance (PISA) and specific areas like STEM, highlighting different strengths in education systems globally. 

Which state is no. 1 in education?

There isn't one single "number 1" state for education, as rankings vary by focus (K-12 vs. Higher Ed) and source, but Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida consistently rank at the top, with Massachusetts often leading K-12, New Jersey for overall education (blending K-12 & Higher Ed), and Florida excelling in higher education affordability and access. For example, U.S. News ranks New Jersey #1 overall for education but Florida #1 for higher education, while WalletHub places Massachusetts #1 for K-12.
 

What are the educational issues in 2025?

In 2025, American public school students are still navigating disrupted learning, chronic absenteeism, and widespread academic gaps. Many are also facing challenges outside the classroom, including poverty, mental health concerns, and a lack of consistent adult support.

What are the signs of school burnout?

Signs and Symptoms of Academic Burnout

• Persistent fatigue.
• Lack of interest in activities.
• Signs of depression and anxiety.
• Apathy, perhaps leading to a feeling of cynicism.
• Lack of motivation.
• Problems sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Declining grades, absenteeism and poor study habits.

Why is the US behind in education?

Factors beyond the schoolhouse door—the legacy of race-based redlining, the underfunding of health care for the worst off, the lack of support for child care and parental leave, and other social and economic policies—remain hugely impactful.