INSET: Inspection Readiness Training for Key Staff on the Ofsted Framework

“We all found the Ofsted Framework day incredibly useful, and we have plenty of actions to undertake!”
— Senior Leader, Independent AP School

Mentoring on the Ofsted framework for Maintained Schools, Academies, Free Schools, Independent Schools & AP Settings

Ensure your key staff are inspection-ready with a bespoke Ofsted framework inspection preparation and mentoring day from JMC Education. Designed for schools, academies, specialist provision and alternative provision settings, this practical programme helps leaders understand current inspection expectations, evaluate strengths and identify priorities for improvement.

What This Ofsted Framework Mentoring Will Help You Do

• Understand the current Ofsted inspection framework and its implications for your setting
• Promote pupil inclusion and wellbeing in line with inspection expectations
• Identify and evidence strengths across the graded areas
• Lead on high-quality teaching and curriculum delivery
• Harness pupil voice meaningfully in your school
• Prepare staff for inspection conversations and professional dialogue
• Understand the new grading scale and how to aim for ‘Exceptional’ or ‘Strong Standard’ outcomes

Who Is This INSET Suitable For?

This full day combines training and mentoring for key staff. It can be delivered face-to-face or online. Governors often prefer online delivery for accessibility.

There is no limit to attendees per school.

Current Inspection Priorities

Our training focuses on the areas most frequently explored during inspection, including:

• Leadership and self-evaluation
• Curriculum implementation and impact
• Support for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND
• Attendance and behaviour
• Safeguarding culture and practice
• Personal development
• Quality assurance and monitoring systems
• Evidence-informed school improvement planning

Suggested Session Structure ( with suggested participants)

General Introduction to the Ofsted Framework

Audience: All teaching and support staff

• Overview of the new Ofsted framework and inspection timelines
• What are the current inspection priorities?
• Creating a positive inspection culture

Leadership & Governance

Audience: SLT, Governors, Proprietors

• Strategic leadership under the new framework
• The role of the Nominee
• Governance responsibilities and inspection readiness
• Using self-evaluation and data effectively
• Leaders roles in Reflection meetings

Curriculum, Teaching & Achievement

Audience: Heads of Department, Teaching Staff

• Evidencing curriculum , teaching & achievement
• Teaching quality and professional dialogue
• Learning Walks & Case Sampling
• Achievement and progress: what counts?
• Preparing for curriculum-focused discussions

Attendance, Behaviour & Personal Development

Audience: Pastoral Leads, Behaviour Leads, Wellbeing Teams

• Promoting positive behaviour and attendance
• Supporting pupil well-being and development
• Evidencing impact across diverse cohorts
• Responding to inspection questions on culture and ethos

Safeguarding

Audience: DSLs, DDSLs, HR, Safeguarding Admins, SCR Managers

• Meeting statutory safeguarding requirements
• Preparing documentation and the SCR Safeguarding interviews and scenarios
• Understanding the ‘met/not met’ judgement

Inclusion & Pupil Voice

Audience: SENDCos, Inclusion Leads, AP Coordinators

• Evidencing inclusive practice and SEND provision
• Capturing and using pupil voice meaningfully
• Inclusion across curriculum, behaviour, and wellbeing
• Preparing for inspection conversations on equity and access

Wrap-Up & Action Planning

• School-specific priorities
• Planning next steps
• Q&A with the facilitator

School leader / Ofsted Nominee looking for some personalised mentoring which supports you in articulating your school’s work with precision, coherence and professional confidence?

We can arrange online mentoring sessions with former HMI’s & Ofsted professionals , find out more here

📋 Types of Ofsted Inspection

• Routine Inspections: Every 3–4 years, covering all graded areas and safeguarding
• Monitoring Visits: For schools graded ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’
• Unannounced Inspections: Triggered by DfE concerns or safeguarding alerts

This training prepares staff for routine inspections and can be adapted for monitoring visits or mock inspections

Ofsted Framework based Mock Inspection

Alternatively, you may wish to arrange a Mock Ofsted Inspection with our experienced inspection team. Each team is led by a former senior inspector and includes detailed feedback and a written report aligned with the 2025/26 framework.

📞 Ready to Prepare?

Contact us today to book your Ofsted Framework INSET or mock inspection.
Let’s help your school thrive under the new inspection regime.

07449616045

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com