Preparing for Ofsted 2025: What Schools Need to Know About the New Inspection Reforms

Ofsted’s inspection reforms bring big changes for 2025, including a greater focus toward inclusion and support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). But, what do these changes actually mean - and how can your school prepare?

The Key Changes: An Overview
The 2025 reforms represent a significant shift in how schools are evaluated. Here’s a quick overview of some of the main changes and how they might impact you:

1. Elimination of Traditional Single-Term ‘Ratings’

Ofsted is moving away from the traditional single-term rating system - where schools were formerly given an overall label such as ‘Requires Improvement’; ‘Adequate’; ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ - and replacing it with detailed report cards; a shift which aims to reduce pressure on schools of waiting for a single defining ‘score’.

2. Introduction of Multi-Dimensional ‘Report Cards’

To replace these ‘single-term’ classifications, schools will now be assessed across an array of key categories, each of which being rated from Exemplary to Causing Concern. This approach highlights both strengths and areas for development, allowing for a more holistic approach. All seeking to provide a more accurate, well-rounded picture of their performance.

3. Spotlighting ‘Inclusion’ as a Category

One of these new key categories will be ‘Inclusion’ - which specifically aims to examine how schools support vulnerable and disadvantaged learners, including those with SEND in mainstream settings. A strong SEND provision and an embedded culture of inclusion will directly influence inspection outcomes - marking a shift away from surface-level measures towards a more meaningful evaluation of inclusive practice.

4. Contextualised Judgements

Ofsted inspections will now take into account socioeconomic and contextual factors, recognising the real-world challenges that schools face. This shift aims to promote greater fairness and equity in reporting.

5. Better Collaboration

Any schools needing improvement will now receive ongoing support through monitoring visits and regular check-ins - rather than waiting for another formal inspection. The inspection process will also be more collaborative moving forward via the provision of ‘phase-specific’ toolkits to help educators know what to expect from the inspection. 

In addition, a senior staff member from the school will now also be invited to collaborate with inspectors.

What’s more, unannounced ‘deep dives’ and ungraded inspections will also be removed. Schools will have clarity about what will be reviewed, reducing stress and enabling better preparation.

A New Spotlight on SEND

With the increased emphasis on inclusion brought about by these reforms, SEND provision is no longer a side consideration - it's front and centre. Ofsted will now expect to see consistent, tailored support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

When done effectively, this leads to better outcomes, improved wellbeing, and stronger academic engagement for all learners. 

These changes reflect more than procedural updates. They represent a shift in values: toward a system that rewards inclusion, real-life context, and meaningful progress.

At Mable Therapy, we wholeheartedly support the shift towards directing greater attention toward inclusion. We believe that true inclusion means every child is seen, supported, and heard. 

Schools that embrace this mindset won’t just meet the new standards - they’ll help redefine what great education looks like.

How Can My School Excel in Inclusion?

1. Audit Your Current SEND Provision

Start with an honest evaluation. What’s working well? Where are the gaps? Our free Provisions Checkup can help you pinpoint areas for improvement. Consider whether staff are confident in supporting SEND learners and whether systems are in place for early identification and intervention.

2. Make Inclusion a Strategic Priority

Inclusion shouldn’t be a tick-box - it needs to be embedded in your school’s long-term planning. Show how your school’s vision and operations support disadvantaged pupils, including those with SEND.

3. Engage Parents, Pupils & Use Data

Parental voice and pupil engagement are key. Involve families - particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds - to understand what’s working and where support can be improved. Back up your approach with strong data and evidence of progress.

4. Strengthen Early Intervention Pathways

Ensure your systems for identifying and responding to additional needs are clear, proactive, and accessible. Early action reduces long-term barriers and ensures students receive timely support.

How Can Mable Therapy Help? Your FREE Provisions Checkup 

At Mable, we’re passionate about making SEND support accessible, flexible, and effective. Our platform connects pupils with qualified speech and language therapists online - making support available even for low attendance students or those with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

We also provide:

• Progress tracking dashboards aligned with Ofsted’s new framework
  
  
• Whole-school support, including CPD, SENCO toolkits, and SLT consultation
  
  
• Proven impact in inclusive practice and outcomes

By turning policy into daily support, we help schools build an inclusive culture that’s inspection-ready - and student-centred.

And that’s not all. With Ofsted’s new changes on the horizon, now is the perfect time to review your school’s SALT provision. That’s why we’re offering 50 schools a FREE provisions checkup with one of our Education Specialists.

Following a 30-minute call, you’ll receive a tailored report that includes:

• A clear, RAG-rated overview of your current provision
• Practical, expert-led recommendations
•  Key takeaways linked directly to Ofsted’s updated priorities

Spaces are limited to just 50 schools, so don’t miss out on your opportunity for an unbiased review of your provision.