SLT Guide to Ofsted’s “Needs Attention” Monitoring Visits

With the launch of Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework in November 2025, school leaders must prepare for a significant shift in how inspections are conducted and reported. One of the most important changes is the introduction of the “Needs Attention” grade—now a key trigger for monitoring visits.

🆕 Understanding the New Framework

Under the revised framework, schools will be assessed across six core evaluation areas:

• Leadership and governance
• Curriculum and teaching
• Attendance and behaviour
• Achievement
• Personal development and wellbeing
• Inclusion

Each area will be graded using a five-point scale:

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

Safeguarding will be judged separately as either “Met” or “Not Met.”

⚠️ What Triggers a Monitoring Visit?

A school will now receive a monitoring visit if it is graded “Needs Attention” in any one of the six evaluation areas. This is a major change from previous frameworks, where monitoring was typically reserved for schools with an overall “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate” judgement.

What does the “Needs Attention” grade mean?

The “Needs Attention” grade is not a failure—it’s a constructive signal that targeted support and scrutiny are needed. Ofsted’s goal is to ensure schools are making progress in specific areas without the pressure of a full reinspection.

🏫 What If Your School Was Previously Graded “Requires Improvement”?

Schools inspected under the 2019 EIF and graded as “Requires Improvement” will still be subject to monitoring visits. These schools will transition into the new framework, and their previous judgement will be used to prioritise reinspection. If your school received “Requires Improvement” in any area, it’s likely to be among the first to be revisited under the new system.

🧭 What Happens During a Monitoring Visit?

Monitoring visits typically last 1–2 days and include:

• Review of documentation (e.g. action plans, safeguarding records)
• Professional dialogue with leaders, staff, and pupils
• Observations of lessons or routines relevant to the “Needs Attention” area
• A feedback session with senior leaders
• A narrative summary (no new grade issued)

🛠️ How JMC Education Supports Schools with “Needs Attention”

At JMC Education, we specialise in helping schools respond proactively to inspection outcomes. Our Educational Services are designed to support schools preparing for monitoring visits, especially those flagged with a “Needs Attention” grade.

🔍 Mock Monitoring Visits

Simulate the inspection experience with expert feedback and action planning tailored to your “Needs Attention” area.

📑 Documentation Review

Ensure your SEF, improvement plans, and evidence portfolios clearly demonstrate progress in the “Needs Attention” domain.

🧠 Leadership Mentoring

Empower SLT and middle leaders to articulate strategy, impact, and next steps confidently.

🛡️ Safeguarding Audits

Prepare for binary safeguarding judgements and ensure compliance with current expectations.

📚 Curriculum Departmental Reviews

Support subject leaders in refining curriculum intent, implementation, and impact—especially if curriculum was graded as “Needs Attention.”

🌍 Inclusive Culture Workshops

Demonstrate progress in SEND, pupil wellbeing, and inclusive practice—key areas often flagged as “Needs Attention.”

Explore these services in more detail on our Educational Services page.

📞 Ready to Respond to “Needs Attention”?

Whether you’re preparing for a monitoring visit or planning ahead for a full inspection, JMC Education is here to help. Our expert-led, practical support ensures your school can respond confidently to a “Needs Attention” judgement and demonstrate meaningful progress.

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com