INSET: Mentoring for Key Staff on the 2025/26 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

🧭 Getting to Grips with the New Ofsted Framework

From November 2025, Ofsted will inspect all state-funded schools under a revised framework.
From January 2026, the new framework will also apply to non-association independent schools, including special schools and alternative provision.

This training and mentoring day supports key staff, including governors, in preparing for inspection under the new framework, which places greater emphasis on:

• Inclusion and pupil wellbeing
• Curriculum quality and teaching
• Leadership and governance
• Safeguarding
• Staff workload and mental health

🧠 What This Ofsted Framework Mentoring Will Help You Do

• Understand the 2025/26 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.

🧭 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
• Key changes for different school types
• What inspectors are looking for in 2025/26
• Creating a positive inspection culture

🔹 Leadership & Governance

Audience: SLT, Governors, Proprietors

• Strategic leadership under the new framework
• Governance responsibilities and inspection readiness
• Using self-evaluation and data effectively
• Preparing for leadership interviews

🔹 Curriculum, Teaching & Achievement

Audience: Heads of Department, Teaching Staff

• Evidencing curriculum intent, implementation, and impact
• Teaching quality and professional dialogue
• 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

📋 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.

020 8531 4182

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com