Curated links to the most important official guidance, framework documentation, and sector resources for local authority and MAT inspection teams. All sources are official government or sector body publications.
Official Ofsted publications covering the November 2025 framework changes, the new report card system, and inspection handbooks for different school types.
The core framework document setting out how Ofsted inspects schools, including the new multi-area report card grading system replacing single-word judgements.
gov.uk — Ofsted official publicationThe detailed handbook inspectors use during school visits. Essential reading for school improvement teams preparing schools for inspection under the new framework.
gov.uk — Ofsted official handbookOfsted's five-year strategic direction — covering the shift from compliance inspection to improvement-focused assessment and transparency of data.
gov.uk — Ofsted strategy documentOverview of Ofsted's remit, how inspections are conducted, and how findings are reported and used by government, local authorities, and schools.
gov.uk — Ofsted about pageKey DfE publications covering local authority duties for school oversight, MAT accountability frameworks, and improvement planning.
DfE guidance on what good MAT governance and school oversight looks like — including expectations for internal quality assurance and inspection readiness.
gov.uk — Department for EducationStatutory guidance on local authority and RSC powers when schools are underperforming — including the triggers for intervention and the escalation process.
gov.uk — DfE statutory guidanceDfE guidance on governance responsibilities for maintained schools — relevant for local authority oversight teams and school improvement advisors.
gov.uk — Department for EducationDfE's benchmarking tool for comparing school financial performance — useful context for inspection teams assessing resource management effectiveness.
gov.uk — DfE financial guidanceEDUINSPECT360 uses AI agents responsibly within its inspection platform. These are the official frameworks and guidance documents that inform our approach to AI governance.
The UK Government's framework for the safe, responsible use of generative AI across public sector organisations — the standard our AI governance approach is aligned to.
gov.uk — Cabinet Office / CDDOThe Department for Education's official guidance on how AI should be used in educational settings — covering safeguarding, data protection, and quality assurance.
gov.uk — Department for EducationThe Information Commissioner's Office guidance on data protection obligations when using AI — directly relevant to how EDUINSPECT360 handles inspection data through AI features.
ico.org.uk — Information Commissioner's OfficeThe UK Government's 10-year plan for AI — setting the policy context within which responsible AI adoption in the public sector, including education, is being shaped.
gov.uk — HM GovernmentHow EDUINSPECT360 uses AI: Our AI features assist with evidence structuring, pattern recognition across school portfolios, and first-draft report generation from structured field data. Every AI output is reviewed and approved by a qualified inspector before publication. We do not use AI to make grading decisions. Full AI governance documentation is available to clients as part of their deployment package. Read more about our responsible AI approach →
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We are happy to talk through the implications of the 2025 Ofsted changes, responsible AI in inspection, or how EDUINSPECT360 can help your authority or trust.