Part 1. Inspection policy and principles for inspection conducted under Section 8 of the Education Act 2005 The handbook is primarily a guide for inspectors on how to carry out inspections in the circumstances described in the introduction under HMCI’s discretionary power to inspect. However, it is made available to schools and other organisations to ensure that they are informed about the policy and procedures for using the section 8 inspection power in particular situations. Inspectors and schools should note that the information set out in the guidance inspections: also applies to all section 8 inspections. ‘Ofsted Conduct during inspections Inspectors carrying out inspections under section 8 must conduct themselves in accordance with the code of conduct as set out in the CIF. On arrival at the school, each inspector will show their identity badge and ask to see the headteacher. The headteacher should be advised that they may telephone the Applications, Regulatory and Contact (ARC) team (telephone: 0300 123 4234) to check on the identity of the inspectors if they wish to do so. Safeguarding Inspectors will always have regard for how well children and learners are helped and protected so that they are kept safe. Short inspections of good schools will always report on the effectiveness of safeguarding. For all other section 8 inspections, inspectors are not required to report specifically on the effectiveness of safeguarding, unless it is a focus of the inspection. In these cases, the judgement that will be reported in the letter will be: safeguarding is effective. If safeguarding is not effective or if pupils are considered to be at risk in any way, the lead inspector will convert the inspection to a section 5 inspection (unless the school is already inadequate). Ofsted has published a document setting out the approach inspectors should take to inspecting safeguarding in all the settings covered by the CIF. It should be read alongside this handbook: safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings’. ‘Inspecting It is also essential that inspectors are familiar with the following statutory guidance in relation to safeguarding: children safe in education: Statutory guidance for schools and ‘Keeping colleges’
Part 1. Inspection policy and principles for inspection conducted under Section 8 of the Education Act 2005 The handbook is primarily a guide for inspectors on how to carry out inspections in the circumstances described in the introduction under HMCI’s discretionary power to inspect. However, it is made available to schools and other organisations to ensure that they are informed about the policy and procedures for using the section 8 inspection power in particular situations. Inspectors and schools should note that the information set out in the guidance ‘Ofsted inspections: also applies to all section 8 inspections. Conduct during inspections Inspectors carrying out inspections under section 8 must conduct themselves in accordance with the code of conduct as set out in the CIF. On arrival at the school, each inspector will show their identity badge and ask to see the headteacher. The headteacher should be advised that they may telephone the Applications, Regulatory and Contact (ARC) team (telephone: 0300 123 4234) to check on the identity of the inspectors if they wish to do so. Safeguarding Inspectors will always have regard for how well children and learners are helped and protected so that they are kept safe. Short inspections of good schools will always report on the effectiveness of safeguarding. For all other section 8 inspections, inspectors are not required to report specifically on the effectiveness of safeguarding, unless it is a focus of the inspection. In these cases, the judgement that will be reported in the letter will be: safeguarding is effective. If safeguarding is not effective or if pupils are considered to be at risk in any way, the lead inspector will convert the inspection to a section 5 inspection (unless the school is already inadequate). Ofsted has published a document setting out the approach inspectors should take to inspecting safeguarding in all the settings covered by the CIF. It should be read alongside this handbook: ‘Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings’. It is also essential that inspectors are familiar with the following statutory guidance in relation to safeguarding: ‘Keeping children safe in education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges’
school-inspection-handbook-section-8-short-inspections-september-2018-changes-highlighted.docx