This course supports headteachers and school leaders in preparing for Ofsted’s pre-inspection phone call. With the updated 2025 Education Inspection Framework (EIF), this initial conversation sets the tone for the inspection and provides an opportunity to share key information, clarify logistics, and highlight school priorities.

Course Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the purpose and structure of the pre-inspection phone call
• Prepare essential school information and performance data
• Develop confident and effective communication strategies
• Anticipate and respond to common inspector questions
• Present strengths and areas for development constructively
• Organise logistical arrangements for inspection readiness

Course Outline

1. Understanding the Purpose of the Call

• Objectives of the pre-inspection phone call
• What inspectors aim to learn and clarify
• How the call influences the inspection focus

2. Key Information to Prepare

• School context and recent performance data
• Key priorities and improvement plans
• Safeguarding, SEND, and inclusion updates

3. Effective Communication Strategies

• Clear, concise, and confident messaging
• Structuring responses to highlight impact
• Avoiding jargon and presenting evidence clearly

4. Anticipating Questions

• Common questions inspectors may ask
• Preparing thoughtful, evidence-based responses
• Role-play and scenario practice

5. Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Development

• Balancing celebration with honest reflection
• Linking strengths to pupil outcomes
• Framing improvement areas positively

6. Logistical Arrangements

• Inspection schedule and availability of key staff
• Preparing documentation and access to systems
• Ensuring smooth coordination across the school

Key Benefits of Attending This Course

• Be fully prepared for the Ofsted pre-inspection phone call
• Improve confidence in presenting school context and priorities
• Strengthen communication and leadership under pressure
• Ensure inspection logistics are well-organised
• Set a positive tone for the full inspection process

Presenter Profile

John Daniell is a Senior Inspection Associate with JMC Education. He has worked as a middle and senior leader in three large London schools. He later became one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) working in the London and East of England regions. During his time as HMI, John reviewed the effectiveness of both maintained and independent schools across all key stages. John led a number of high profile inspections, particularly in schools where safeguarding had been identified as a potential concern. As a competent linguist, John was also promoted to the role of National Lead for modern foreign languages and reported to the All Party Parliamentary Group on a regular basis. John also met with numerous ministers of education from overseas to discuss how Ofsted inspects schools in England. He stopped working for Ofsted in 2019, but continues to support schools and to evaluate their overall effectiveness.

Cost: £150 per delegate; £50 each for subsequent delegates from same school

Booking Form

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