Corporate report

Memorandum of understanding between Ofsted and DfE

How Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) will work together.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) explains how Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) will work together. It includes:

  • the governance and accountability framework that applies between the roles of the DfE and Ofsted
  • how the day-to-day relationship works in practice, including in relation to governance and financial matters
  • other government requirements that apply to Ofsted as an ‘arm’s length body’

It is not intended to cover every detailed aspect of the working relationship between the 2 parties. It is a statement of principles to enable the discharge respective responsibilities effectively and to avoid duplication of effort, misunderstanding or unnecessary impact on third parties.

Published 16 February 2023