Educational Insights Inclusion Inspection Spotlight

How Ofsted Inspects Inclusion: A Guide for School Leaders

Home » Educational Insights » How Ofsted Inspects Inclusion: A Guide for School Leaders

Understanding the 2025 Framework and Preparing Your Provision

Inclusion: A Standalone Judgement Area

From November 2025, Ofsted will inspect inclusion as a distinct evaluation area, separate from personal development. It will be graded using Ofsted’s new 5-point scale:

  • Exceptional
  • Strong Standard
  • Expected Standard
  • Needs Attention
  • Urgent Improvement

Unlike safeguarding, which is judged on a ‘met’ or ‘not met’ basis, inclusion is evaluated holistically, focusing on how well your school supports pupils facing barriers to learning and wellbeing.

Who Inclusion Covers

Inspectors will assess how your school identifies and supports pupils who:

  • Are socioeconomically disadvantaged (e.g. eligible for pupil premium)
  • Have SEND, including those with EHCPs
  • Are looked-after children or known to children’s social care
  • Face additional barriers, such as being a young carer or sharing a protected characteristic

Case Sampling: What to Expect

Inspectors will select a case sample of around six pupils from the groups above. This sample will be agreed with school leaders on day one of the inspection and typically includes:

  • A pupil with an EHCP
  • A looked-after child
  • A pupil known to children’s social care
  • A pupil eligible for pupil premium
  • A pupil from a group significant to your school’s context

Inspectors will observe these pupils in lessons, review their work, speak with staff, and meet with your SENCO or inclusion lead.

Six Key Factors Inspectors Will consider when Evaluating Inclusion

To judge inclusion, Ofsted will gather evidence around six core areas:

  1. High expectations for all pupils, including those with SEND or facing disadvantage
  2. Early and accurate assessment of pupils’ needs
  3. Planning, action and review cycles to reduce barriers
  4. Involvement of external specialists when needed
  5. A well-designed, evidence-based pupil premium strategy
  6. Collaborative decision-making with pupils, families, and professionals

Alternative Provision and Inclusion

If your school uses alternative provision (AP), inspectors will evaluate:

  • Why AP was chosen and how placements are commissioned
  • How placements are monitored and reviewed
  • Whether AP meets pupils’ academic, pastoral, and SEND needs
  • How pupils, families, and professionals are involved in decisions
  • Evidence of progress, transition planning, and destination tracking

You can find the full list of areas inspectors will evaluate with regard to AP, including factors that touch on safeguarding and attendance and behaviour, in the inspection operating guide.

What Each Grade Looks Like

  • Expected Standard: Your school meets statutory duties and provides consistent, effective support
  • Strong Standard: Inclusion is embedded in your culture, with proactive strategies and measurable impact
  • Exceptional: Your provision goes beyond expectations, innovating and influencing wider practice

How JMC Education Can Help

JMC Education supports schools to:

Next Steps

Ensure your provision meets Ofsted’s expectations—schedule a consultation now.

Book a free consultation

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com

    document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

    Ask us about this.
    Show less

    Discover more from JMC INSET

    Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

    You may also like: