Running a mock Ofsted Inspection

Running a mock Ofsted inspection can be a useful exercise for educational institutions to assess their readiness for a real inspection and identify areas for improvement. Here are steps you can follow to conduct a mock Ofsted inspection:

1. Gather a Team:

– Assemble a team of experienced educators, administrators, and possibly external stakeholders who understand the Ofsted inspection process.

2. Familiarise with Ofsted Framework:

– Make sure all team members are familiar with the latest Ofsted inspection framework and criteria. This includes understanding the key areas that Ofsted assesses, such as quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

3. Select a Date and Time:

– Choose a date and time for the mock inspection. Inform all staff members and stakeholders involved.

4. Communicate the Purpose:

– Clearly communicate to all staff members that this is a mock inspection aimed at preparing for a real Ofsted inspection. Emphasise that it’s an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

5. Create a Mock Inspection Schedule:

– Develop a detailed schedule that mirrors the structure of a real Ofsted inspection. This should include times for meetings, classroom visits, interviews, and feedback sessions.

6. Conduct Briefing Sessions:

– Hold briefing sessions for all team members involved in the mock inspection. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7. Classroom Observations:

– Carry out classroom observations to assess teaching quality, student behaviour, and learning outcomes. Use the Ofsted criteria to guide your observations.

8. Meet with Stakeholders:

– Arrange meetings with various stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, and governors. Collect feedback and information about the organisation’s performance.

9. Review Documentation:

– Examine the organisation’s documentation, including policies, records, and assessment data. Ensure that everything is up-to-date and in compliance with Ofsted requirements.

10. Interviews:

– Conduct interviews with key staff members, such as the headteacher, senior leadership team, and subject leaders. Ask questions relevant to Ofsted criteria.

11. Collate Evidence:

– Document your findings and gather evidence to support your assessments. This could include notes, photographs, and samples of student work.

12. Debrief and Feedback:

– After the mock inspection, hold a debriefing session with the team to discuss findings. Provide constructive feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.

13. Create an Action Plan:

– Based on the feedback and findings, develop an action plan to address any identified areas for improvement. Assign responsibilities and set timelines for implementation.

14. Follow Up:

– Monitor progress on the action plan and make any necessary adjustments. Provide ongoing support to ensure improvements are made.

Remember, the goal of a mock Ofsted inspection is to help the organisation prepare for a real inspection, so it’s important to approach it with a constructive and collaborative mindset.

What next?

To assist with your mock inspection you can arrange a free online demonstration of our improvement solution, where we will illustrate how you can record your lesson observations and other monitoring activities in the Performance Management module, and reflect on your mock post Ofsted action plan in the improvement planning module too.

Please click here to book your free online demonstration, or call 0333 0433 450 and choose option 2.