When you get the call
Inspections usually begin with a phone call to the headteacher/principal prior to the inspection. Your CEO or senior leaders will likely inform you shortly afterwards.
Establish scope immediately. Is this a: Routine full inspection Monitoring inspection because Ofsted has identified a need for improvement Focused monitoring inspection (previously known as an urgent inspection), perhaps because of a complaint Speak to the CEO / executive headteacher: Agree how you'll communicate during the inspection. The CEO should be able to fill you in on the likely areas of focus, based on the pre-inspection phone call (e.g. inclusion, attendance, safeguarding, etc) Clarify governance representation: inspectors will normally want to meet trust leaders and the board of trustees. Confirm who’s available and best placed to attend: Trust chair Trustees Governance professional (your governance lead will likely reach out to them, but do check) Local governing body (LGB) chair, if appropriate Ofsted's operating guide states that if