Safeguarding: Pass or Fail – How to Meet Ofsted’s Expectations

JMC Education’s guide to how Ofsted inspects safeguarding under the 2025 Education Inspection Framework

Your guide to Ofsted’s expectations on safeguarding compliance from JMC Education

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Safeguarding: A Pass/Fail Evaluation

Under the 2025 Ofsted framework, safeguarding is no longer graded on a scale. Instead, it is judged as either:

• Met – your provision meets all statutory safeguarding requirements
• Not Met – your provision fails to meet one or more safeguarding standards

This binary approach reflects the critical importance of safeguarding. Unlike other areas of inspection, partial compliance is not acceptable.

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Ofsted’s Expectations: What Inspectors Expect to See

Ofsted looks for a proactive and embedded safeguarding culture. This means:

• Leaders and staff operate with the mindset that safeguarding issues can happen anywhere
• Pupils are protected from harm both in and out of school, including online
• Attendance patterns are monitored for signs of neglect, abuse, or exploitation
• Staff are alert to risks such as peer-on-peer abuse, grooming, and criminal exploitation

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Creating a Culture of Transparency and Accountability

Inspectors will assess whether your school:

• Encourages open dialogue with pupils, staff, and families
• Responds swiftly and effectively to concerns
• Shares safeguarding information appropriately and seeks expert input when needed
• Maintains clear records and allows scrutiny of safeguarding decisions
• Welcomes challenge to improve safeguarding outcomes

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Empowering Staff Through Training and Support

Your team must be:

• Well-trained in safeguarding procedures and responsibilities
• Confident to raise concerns and take action
• Supported by clear child protection policies and leadership

JMC Education offers tailored safeguarding training and policy development to ensure your staff are confident and compliant.

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Identifying and Responding to Risk

Staff should be able to:

• Spot pupils who may need help or are at risk of harm
• Understand the full spectrum of safeguarding concerns, including emotional, physical, sexual, and online abuse
• Refer pupils to external agencies when needed
• Manage safe recruitment and respond to allegations against adults
• Recognise increased risks for pupils with SEND or communication barriers

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Ofsted’s Expectations on Maintaining the Single Central Record (SCR)

Your SCR must document all pre-appointment checks. In multi-academy trusts, a centralised record is acceptable, but it must clearly show checks for each individual academy.

JMC Education can audit your SCR and help you maintain it in line with Ofsted expectations.

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Evidence Inspectors Will Review

Ofsted will gather evidence across several areas:

• Leadership and safeguarding culture
• Staff knowledge and safeguarding protocols
• Management systems and record-keeping
• Safer recruitment practices
• Handling of peer-on-peer abuse
• SCR accuracy and accessibility

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Ofsted’s Expectations on Safeguarding for SEND and Younger Pupils

Inspectors will:

• Consider the unique vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND
• Evaluate how your provision teaches safety, including online safety
• Adapt their approach for early years and KS1 pupils to ensure age-appropriate safeguarding

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Inspection Suspension: What It Means

If inspectors believe safeguarding is not met, they may suspend the inspection and return within 3 months—only if:

• Other areas of provision are at least satisfactory
• The school is capable of resolving the issues
• There is no immediate risk to pupils

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Statutory Guidance You Must Follow

Your safeguarding arrangements must comply with:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children

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How JMC Education Can Help

We offer expert consultancy to help you:

• Build a strong safeguarding culture
• Train staff and leaders in best practice
• Audit your policies, SCR, and referral systems
• Prepare for Ofsted inspections with mock reviews
• Ensure full compliance with statutory guidance

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Get Support Today

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com

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