Ofsted inspections to begin from 22 January 2024
Ofsted has said that inspections of schools and further education providers in England will begin from 22 January, after delaying their start to ensure mental health awareness training can be given for all lead inspectors, following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry.
The training has two parts. All inspectors working in schools, further education, social care and early years are set to attend initial training on 8 January, led by Sir Martyn, but including an introductory session from social enterprise Mental Health First Aid England. This session will be recorded and shared publicly.
Mental Health First Aid England will then lead detailed small group sessions with groups of inspectors to help them understand and recognise any mental health issues they may encounter on inspection.
Sir Martyn will ensure that every school and college inspection is led by an inspector that has completed both sessions. By 22 January, all lead inspectors working in schools and further education will have completed both sessions. Every inspector working for Ofsted will have completed the training by the end of March.
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