Policy paper

Evaluating the education inspection framework

An evaluation plan and theory of change of the Ofsted education inspection framework (EIF).

Applies to England

Documents

EIF theory of change diagram

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Details

We are carrying out a programme of evaluation of the EIF. spanning 2 to 3 years. We will start with a process evaluation in 2023 and follow this with an impact evaluation.

Our evaluation programme covers:

  • the early years
  • schools, including provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and independent schools
  • further education and skills, including provision for learners with high needs

Through the evaluation, we want to understand:

  • the impact of the EIF on those we inspect – childminders, nurseries, schools, colleges and other education providers
  • the value the EIF has for parents, central and local government, academy trusts, governing bodies and other education sector stakeholders
  • whether we are implementing the EIF as we intended

We have also developed a theory of change that identifies how we expect the EIF to work and the impact we expect it to have.

Published 22 August 2023