Ofsted Framework 2025: What parents need to know.
Ofsted have introduced a new inspection frawework, designed to give parents clearer, more meaningful information about how schools are performing. This is a major shift in how inspection findings are reported. It is important to understand that the new system cannot be compared to the old one.
When will Westbrook be inspected?
The last inspection was in November 2021, which means that Westbrook will be within the first wave of schools that are inspected under the new framework, in Spring 2026.
What has changed?
One of the most significant changes is that schools are no longer given an overall judgement such as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.
Instead inspectors now focus on different areas of a school's work and explain what is working well, alongside areas that need further development. Under this new approach, inspectors no longer rely heavily on published data or headline results alone. Judgements are made using what Ofsted call a secure fit model. This means inspectors must see clear, consistent, and well-evidenced practice across the whole school.
Even where positive work is taking place, if any part of the criteria is not fully embedded across the school, inspectors are unable to confirm it as a strength. This reflects how rigorous and detailed the new inspection process is.
During the inspection, the school will be reviewed on eight areas including;
- Safeguarding
- Inclusion
- Curriculum and Teaching
- Achievement
- Attendance and Behaviour
- Personal Development and Wellbeing
- Early Years
- Leadership and Governance
Judgements for each area will now be categorised as either Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention or Urgent Improvement.
New Grading Scale
- Exceptional - among the very best nationally, practice to share
- Strong Standard - excellent, consistent work making a real difference
- Expected Standard - everything the school should be doing to meet high expectations
- Needs Attention - areas where work is underway, but impact isn't yet visible
- Urgent Improvement - significant changes needed
What does "Needs Attention" mean?
It signals that a school is already working on improvements, it is not a fail but inspectors haven't yet seen enough impact. For example, a school might have introduced new strategies for attendance, but these changes take time to show results.
Why can't it be compared to the old system?
Previously, schools were assigned a single overall grade. The updated framework offers a multi-dimensional perspective, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement within the same school. As a result, a school may be at the Expected Standard in one aspect and Needs Attention in another, giving parents a clearer sense of their child's experience at school. Since the new grading method and criteria differ entirely from the old framework, Ofsted say that previous judgements such as Good or Outstanding cannot be directly mapped out onto the new categories and grades.
National Priorities
There is a strong nationwide focus on foundational skills, such as handwriting, reading and spelling; Inclusion, ensuring every child's needs are met, and Attendance, recognising it's vital role in achievement and wellbeing. These priorities are already at the heart of all strategic decisions.
What will Ofsted reports look like?
Reports will be in the form of a "Report Card". Alongside the colour coded grades, parents will be able to clear explanations of what the inspectors found. This transparency is designed to help families make informed choices and feel reassured about their child's education. Further information about understanding the new report cards can be found here on the Government Website.
Want to learn more?
Visit Ofsted's website or watch their official video on YouTube for a full explanation of the changes.
