Ofsted inspects all state-funded schools in England, and around half of independent schools, in line with the relevant inspection framework. It also inspects other services, including childcare, social care and further education

A school judged good or outstanding at its most recent inspection will normally receive an inspection approximately every 4 years, to confirm that the school remains good or outstanding.

Schools that have an Inadequate or Requires Improvement judgement are inspected more often, with inspectors monitoring their progress on a regular basis.

Normally, schools get half a day’s notice of a full inspection, but Ofsted has the power to go into schools without any notice if it considers it necessary. This could be if they have received concerns about a school, possibly from a parent.

Usually, inspections last for two days. The number of inspectors varies depending on the size and type of a school, but the team will include His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) and/or contracted Ofsted inspectors – normally practising headteachers and deputy heads.

Before the inspection, the inspectors gather information about the school by reading the previous Ofsted report, reports of any interim monitoring, any complaints that have been raised about the school, academic data, information about funding, and information from the school’s website. They also send a letter to parents inviting them to share their opinions about the school on Ofsted’s Parent View website.

‘During the inspection, inspectors will observe lessons, check records and gather a range of evidence to inform their judgements, including speaking to staff, governors, pupils and parents and scrutinising pupils’ work,’ Sean explains. ‘Through these activities we are able to build a clear picture of what life is like at the school and how well pupils are learning.’ The main focus is on teaching and learning; inspectors will sit in on lessons, look through children’s books and folder and talk to them about not just their understanding, but also how engaged they are in their learning.

Ofsted inspectors look at four main areas: pupils’ achievement; the quality of teaching; the behaviour and safety of pupils; and the quality of leadership and management. They’ll also make a judgement on Early Years provision. ‘From this, inspectors make a judgement on the overall effectiveness of the school,’ Sean explains.

Most schools get a draft copy of the report soon after the inspection. ‘This is an opportunity for them to check it for factual accuracy and make any comments before it’s published,’ Sean says. The final report is then usually sent to the school within 10 days, and published on Ofsted’s website within 15 days, although if a school is judged Inadequate, this can take up to 28 days to allow extra moderation.

Schools receive a judgement for each of the four inspection areas, and an overall judgement. There are four categories: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement (previously Satisfactory) and Inadequate.

You can download a copy of our Ofsted report here.

Parent View is an online questionnaire that allows parents and carers to give their views about their child’s school, at any time to Ofsted.

If you’d like to Ofsted know what you think of Co-op Academy Woodlands go to: parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

If you have an urgent problem, please let us know straight away. You can tell your child’s class teacher, the main office or call. Contact details available on the contact page.