Ofsted is the 'Office for Standards in Education'. School inspectors visit schools approximately every four years to report on the effectiveness of the education provided by the school. In November 2025 Ofsted introduced a new inspection toolkit used to inspect schools.
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments.
It assesses council children’s services and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.