A116. Critical Inspection Stages - Setting the Direction - Planning

This series examines the critical stages of an Ofsted inspection under the renewed framework, including the revisions in place from September 2026. This is a comprehensive series across 3 events. From the notification call and planning week through inspection activity and post‑inspection outcomes, it explores how decisions, evidence‑gathering, and professional judgement at each stage shape direction, impact, and final judgements. In our first session we will delve into the opportunity created by the extended planning week.

What you'll learn: 

• The different stages of the new planning call and how to manage those to maximise your opportunities.


• The importance of setting up your context accurately.


• What action you can take now to prepare information and documents ready for the calls.


• How case sampled learners and learning walks are chosen.


• A unique insight into the reasoning of the three stages in the new planning call and their individual purpose.


• The ability to prepare your context information in advance to ensure inspectors understand your provision promptly following the notification call.


• Readiness to nominate your three learning walks ensuring you showcase you provision at its best.


• Clarity of the information and documentation that the lead inspector will need at the planning call. 

Who will benefit from this On Demand?

• Nominees


• Shadow nominees


• Senior leaders and managers who might take part in the inspection planning call or represent the provision during the inspection, including quality managers. 

Led By 

Maria Navarro, former Senior Specialist Adviser at Ofsted, key architect in the development of the renewed inspection framework.

Your access includes:

• Full On-demand recording


• Access at any time


• CPD certificate when completed

Session Time: 60 Minutes