The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions and youth work. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders. The Ofsted web site links below provide information in these areas.
Local Authority Inspections are the outcome of children's services inspections carried out by Ofsted in partnership with other government agencies. An Annual Performance Assessment (APA) assesses the council's contribution to improving the lives of children and young people through its education and social care functions, and covers other services as relevant.
Primary schools are inspected by Ofsted at least once every three years. The team of inspectors spends no longer than two days in the school gathering evidence, including observing lessons and speaking to teachers and pupils, to report on how well the school is performing. A school normally receives about two days' notice of its inspection.
Secondary schools are inspected by Ofsted at least once every three years. The team of inspectors spends no longer than two days in the school gathering evidence, including observing lessons and speaking to teachers and pupils, to report on how well the school is performing. A school normally receives about two days' notice of its inspection.
A new four-year cycle of college inspections began in September 2005. There are two types of inspection event: inspections and annual assessment visits.
Childminders provide care for children under eight years of age, for more than two hours each day, on domestic premises, for reward. They are inspected at least once every three years. A Childcare inspector will arrange a visit where they will look at the premises and the way the provider looks after children.
Day-care providers care for children under eight years of age, for more than two hours each day, on non-domestic premises. They are inspected at least once every three years. A childcare inspector will arrange a visit where they will look at the premises and the way the provider looks after children.
Please visit the OFSTED website for full national and regional coverage.
