Careers staff

Planning - Ofsted visits

Ofsted Inspectors will make a judgement on the personal development of learners by evaluating the extent to which:

  • the curriculum extends beyond the academic, technical or vocational. It provides for learners’ broader development, enabling them to develop and discover their interests and talents 
  • the curriculum and the provider’s wider work supports learners to develop their character – including their resilience, confidence and independence – and help them know how to keep physically and mentally healthy 
  • at each stage of education, the provider prepares learners for future success in their next steps 
  • the provider prepares learners for life in modern Britain by: equipping them to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society; developing their understanding of fundamental British values; developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law.

Please Note: we are continually developing these pages, please get in touch if links are not working or you have any ideas to help us improve the site.

Resources

This template will help ensure you have collected relevant information and evidence to support all Benchmarks to answer Ofsted’s questions.

Ofsted pre-visit planning template

Using Compass+ to prepare for Ofsted – Compass+ Impact story

Hear from Marie Harding, Head of Careers at The Regis School, Bognor Regis, and see how Compass+ really helped her to prepare for their last Ofsted inspection. 


Find the Government's latest guidance for schools, colleges and training providers.

Careers guidance and access for education and training providers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This framework sets out Ofsted's inspection principles and the main judgements that inspectors make.

Education Inspection Framework (EIF) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Ofsted guidance on inspecting maintained schools and academies in England under the education inspection framework.

School Inspection Handbook - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Guidance for inspectors on inspecting further education and skills providers under the education inspection framework.

Further education and skills inspection handbook - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Last updated on 06/08/2026