Mock Inspection for Alternative Provision Settings

Prepare your AP setting for Ofsted 2025 with confidence and clarity.

JMC Education offers bespoke mock inspections for Alternative Provision (AP) settings, aligned with the latest Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF). Our experienced consultants simulate the inspection process, providing detailed feedback and practical recommendations to help you meet and exceed expectations.

JMC has a deep understanding of Ofsted requirements and standards, which they use to empower schools towards achieving excellence. Under JMC’s leadership, schools have consistently shown marked improvements. Their collaborative approach engages staff and drives long-lasting change.

Trust CPD Lead

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What’s New in Ofsted 2025

Inspections now use a 5-point grading scale:

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

Safeguarding is assessed separately as ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’.

Inspections focus on a broader set of evaluation areas, including:

• Leadership and Governance
• Curriculum and Teaching
• Attendance and Behaviour
• Achievement
• Personal Development and Wellbeing
• Inclusion (now a standalone area)

Our mock inspections reflect these changes and help your team prepare for:

• Full inspections
• Focused inspections
• Monitoring visits

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Tailored to Your AP Context

We understand the unique challenges of AP settings, including:

• Short-term placements
• Medical or behavioural needs
• Curriculum flexibility
• Multi-agency working

Our mock inspections are adapted to your provision’s structure, pupil profile, and referral pathways.

Summary of the Mock Inspection Process

Our mock inspections follow a structured, evidence-informed approach that mirrors Ofsted’s methodology. The process includes:

• Pre-visit planning and review of key documents (e.g. SEF, action plans, curriculum overview, safeguarding policies)
• On-site or remote inspection simulation, including learning walks and staff interviews
• Educationally focused conversations with leaders and governors
• Review of pupil records, attendance data, and behaviour logs
• Evaluation of inclusion, SEND provision, and safeguarding practices
• Feedback & a full written report aligned with the Ofsted report card format
• Optional nominee role preparation and staff wellbeing review

All evidence is triangulated to provide a clear picture of strengths and areas for development.

Has your school, academy or PRU already been visited by Ofsted & placed into a category of concern ?

We can support you in putting together an action plan / submission to the DfE, as well as carrying out an external review or monitoring visits. Find out more here

JMC Post Ofsted Support Team 

Why Schools Choose JMC

“The mock inspection gave us clear, actionable feedback and helped our team feel confident ahead of Ofsted.”
— AP Setting Leader

Unrivalled Leadership Experience in Alterative Provision and PRUs

All our inspection teams are led by an experienced lead Inspector (LI). The collective depth and breadth of experience of our inspection team is unrivalled. Our LI’s are often former Headteachers, many have worked at Executive level in Multi-Academy Trusts.

Amongst our inspection team are:

• Former Senior Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI)*
• Former Ofsted National Subject leads
• Current Ofsted Inspectors
• Former Senior Local Authority School Improvement Advisors
• Former Education Directors of Multi Academy Trusts
• Former DfE National Leaders of Education (NLE)
• Former Headteachers & Executive Headteachers

*NB Current HMIs are prohibited by Ofsted from carrying out any school improvement work

Book a Free Consultation

Let’s discuss how we can support your AP setting with a tailored mock inspection.

For a quote or to learn more about our mock Ofsted inspections, then don’t hesitate to get in touch using our enquires form

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com

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During the mock Ofsted, JMC quickly assessed what our primary needs were and responded immediately.  We feel much better equipped for the task ahead.

Judy Packham, Director, Springboard Education