Ofsted education inspections: hearing from children, learners, parents, carers and staff
Findings from research on how stakeholders can share their views during inspections, carried out by the independent research consultancy, the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT).
Applies to England
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This project focused on developing an understanding of how Ofsted and providers could increase engagement for all stakeholders, including children and young people with vulnerabilities, such as special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and socioeconomic disadvantage.
The research heard from over 3,500 people across early years, schools and further education settings. The report brings together findings from in-depth qualitative research, quantitative survey data collection and cognitive testing conducted by BIT.
We published our terms of reference, Commissioned research to hear from children and learners, parents and carers, and staff during inspection, for this research in January 2025.
The views expressed are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Ofsted. The commission has helped Ofsted make evidence-informed improvements to inspection surveys, methodology and inspector training, ultimately hearing a wider range of views during education inspections. We will consider BIT’s recommendations as part of our ongoing reform programme.