Changes to Ofsted’s post-inspection arrangements and complaints handling: proposals 2023

We propose to:

• enhance on-site professional dialogue during inspections to help address any issues before the end of the inspection visit
• introduce a new opportunity for providers to contact Ofsted the day after an inspection if they have any unresolved concerns
• introduce new arrangements for finalising reports and considering formal challenges to inspection outcomes
• replace our current internal review process with a direct escalation to the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) and add a new periodic review of closed complaints, using external representatives from the sectors we inspect.

We are seeking the widest possible range of views to make sure our revised procedures are closely matched to the needs of those we regulate and inspect (who we refer to collectively as ‘providers’ of education and care) and those making complaints.