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Guidance

Risk assessment methodology: initial teacher education

The risk assessment process that Ofsted uses to assist in scheduling inspections of initial teacher education (ITE) providers.

Updates to this page

From:
Ofsted
Published:
3 December 2020
Last updated:
5 November 2025
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  1. We’ve confirmed the length of the new inspection cycle and outlined the factors that determine when re-inspections take place. We’ve streamlined the risk assessment process, removing the stage 2 desk-based review element.

  2. Updated to clarify that we will apply this risk assessment methodology for all ITE inspections.

  3. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Risk assessment methodology: initial teacher education

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This risk assessment is used to ensure that our approach to inspection is proportionate and to focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. We will apply the methodology described here for all initial teacher education (ITE) inspections.

You can find more guidance on inspecting ITE provision in England on the ITE inspection: toolkit, operating guide and framework page.

We will update this note annually.

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