Audits, record keeping, the single central record and Ofsted

Monitoring compliance and record keeping in regard to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Contents

Ofsted & the Independent school inspectorate

Inspection

Ofsted

Independent schools inspectorate

Top Tips, preparing for your inspection

 

Ofsted education inspection framework: state-funded primary schools

Ofsted education inspection framework: state-funded secondary schools

Ofsted education inspection framework: special schools

Ofsted education inspection framework: alternative provision 

Inspections are a way of showcasing your effective safeguarding practice.

Some things that may help to prepare you for your inspection:

  • Look at your last report: inspectors will follow up on any areas for improvement or points of developments from the last inspection.
  • Use Ofsted's inspection data summary report: this will flag positive or negative indicators that inspectors will need to investigate e.g. attendance, persistent absence and exclusions.
  • Get local insights: other local school leaders, may be able to tell you about trends from recent inspections of other local schools.
  • Look at your section 157/175 safeguarding audit and the action plan resulting in completion.
  • Think about strengths in your practice and specific challenges in your district.
  • Pull together your safeguarding reports for governors and minutes of meetings where safeguarding was discussed.
  • Ensure that all staff understand site security, including sign in and verifying professionals. ID should be requested on arrival to the school. How do you ensure visitors do not access their mobile phone in areas where there are children?
  • Ensure your reception area has clear safeguarding information for all visitors. You may decide to add details of your DSL/DDSL, messages for parents such as online safety resources, copies of the child protection policy and expectations of visitors.
  • Ensure your staff room has a safeguarding notice board which is regularly updated and used.
  • Ensure you are aware of referral pathways. What is the difference between earliest help and early help? What is the escalation process?

Evidence inspectors may look for:

  • A child protection policy, which is consistent with government guidance, refers to local agreed safeguarding arrangements and is regularly reviewed.
  • A staff code of conduct, which is consistent with government guidance and regularly reviewed. They may ask you about 'low level' (guidance in KCSIE) concerns and how you respond to these.
  • That staff, governors and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training at induction, that is regularly reviewed.
  • That the DSL is a senior leader, trained to the appropriate level and is available during opening hours. The DSL has a manageable workload and time of reflection.
  • A clear procedure for dealing with children missing education, particularly those who go missing on repeat occasions.
  • Teachers understand their mandatory responsibility to report FGM to the police.
  • Pupils are taught about safeguarding risks, including online risks, and are aware of the support available to them.
  • A safe learning environment with secure access.
  • A clear approach to implementing the Prevent duty.
  • Details how many referrals you have made to the local authority for early help or a social work assessment.
  • Strategies are in place to keep pupils safe online, and help them recognise risks and get help.
  • Effective oversight of the use of social media by staff and pupils.
  • Appropriate filters and monitoring systems are in place to protect pupils from potentially harmful online material.
  • Action is taken to prevent and tackle discriminatory or derogatory language.
  • Appropriate arrangements are in place with regards to health and safety to protect staff and pupils from harm.
  • A clear procedure for ensuring that visitors to school are suitable, checked and monitored as appropriate.
  • All staff are aware of signs that child may be abused or neglected, aware of who the DSL is and are confident in what actions they should take.

What to do if I am unhappy with an inspection report

Please notify ESAS by email of any change to your DSL or DDSL contact details. It is crucial that these details are up to date, to ensure that you receive updates and invites.