Ofsted's code of conduct: collaborative inspection and regulation
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-05)

Our expectations of inspectors and providers during inspection or other regulatory activity.

We all work in the best interests of children, young people and learners. Our inspection and regulation roles are carried out in collaboration with those we inspect and regulate, which we refer to collectively as ‘providers’ (of education or care). We want to build effective working relationships right from the start. This guidance sets out what you can expect from Ofsted staff, and what we expect from you, as the basis for our working relationship.

The code of conduct applies to everyone taking part in all inspection and regulatory activity across all Ofsted’s remits, including:

Ofsted’s education remits: registered early years settings, state-funded schools, non-association independent schools, further education and skills providers, teacher development, and area special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) inspections

Ofsted’s social care remits: local authorities, adoption support agencies​, boarding schools and residential special schools​, children’s homes​, secure children’s homes​, further education colleges (residential provision)​, independent fostering agencies​, residential family centres​, residential holiday schemes for disabled children, supported accommodation​ and voluntary adoption agencies

When we notify you of an inspection, visit or telephone regulatory event, the lead inspector will explain the expectations set out in this guidance and will ask you to read it. They will explain that you should raise any concerns that the inspection team has not acted in accordance with the code as soon as possible. This is so that issues can be resolved before the inspection or visit is completed, where possible.

Expectations of inspectors

It is important that inspectors establish and maintain a positive working relationship with providers, based on our core values of professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect.

We recognise that Ofsted visits have the potential to heighten stress. Inspectors should be compassionate and caring and will take reasonable steps to prevent undue anxiety and to minimise stress during the inspection or regulatory activity. We expect our inspectors to uphold the highest professional standards in their work, to act with integrity and to treat everyone they meet fairly, with respect and with sensitivity.

In meeting this expectation, inspectors will:
- act in the best interests of children, young people and learners, considering their well-being and prioritising their safeguarding
- be proactive in taking careful account of the well-being of leaders and staff, maintaining a constructive professional dialogue and adjusting their approach or activity as appropriate and where possible
- carry out their work with integrity, using their skill, experience, professional curiosity, learning and expertise, and referencing and applying the most up-to-date training
- evaluate objectively, in line with our frameworks, national standards and regulatory requirements; base all evaluations on clear and robust evidence; and report honestly and clearly
- declare all actual or perceived conflicts of interest and have no real or perceived connection with the provider that could undermine the objectivity of the inspection or regulatory activity
At all times, we require inspectors to demonstrate Ofsted’s values, to act in accordance with our internal policies and procedures on expected standards of behaviour and conduct, and to adhere to the Civil Service code (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code).

At all times inspectors must have due regard to their equality duties (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-duties-on-education-inspection). Under the Equality Act 2010 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents), Ofsted must, in exercising its functions, have due regard to the need to:
- eliminate conduct prohibited by the act, including discrimination, harassment or victimisation of anyone involved in the inspection process because of a protected characteristic
- advance equality of opportunity between people involved in the inspection process who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
- foster good relations between people involved in the inspection process who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
In addition, inspectors must consider making reasonable adjustments for any disabled person involved in an inspection. Inspectors should also consider making adaptations that may be sought by anyone involved in an inspection who may otherwise be put at a disadvantage because of a protected characteristic, where there is no objective justification for refusing to make the adaptation.

Expectations of providers

Effective inspection and regulatory activity relies on the integrity and cooperation of providers, as much as on the professionalism and sensitivity of inspectors.

We expect you to maintain a positive working relationship with inspectors and inspection support staff, to show professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect, and to uphold the highest professional standards.

In effect, this means all providers should:
- be open, honest and transparent during the inspection, providing evidence – or access to evidence – that will enable the inspector to report honestly, fairly and reliably about your provision
- enable inspectors to observe the typical functioning of the provision or local area, and arrange opportunities for inspectors to meet with children, young people and learners, and (separately) with staff, without a manager or registered person present
- make a private room available for inspectors to discuss inspection evidence and hold confidential discussions, and let inspectors know about any CCTV cameras or other recording devices at the provision
- engage in the planning of the inspection and make the necessary arrangements for inspectors to carry out any evidence-gathering or broader inspection activities
- tell inspectors how to contact any person(s) responsible for leaders’ well-being (the responsible body), so that inspectors can pass on any well-being concerns, where possible, and support for leaders can be sought quickly
Unacceptable behaviour

Provider conduct

Inspections and regulatory visits are required by law. Refusing to engage in an inspection or a visit is not acceptable. Intentionally obstructing an inspector from carrying out their work could amount to an offence.

As stated above, we have emphasised the importance of inspectors’ conduct being based on professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect. We ask for this conduct to be reciprocated.

We will not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour, including verbal or physical abuse against our staff or inspectors. We also do not accept behaviour that intimidates or threatens an inspector’s well-being, such as being made to feel at risk, anxious about their safety, or subject to discrimination.

Inspectors should promptly inform the lead inspector of any concerns that arise. The lead inspector will first attempt to resolve the issue on site. If the concern cannot be resolved, the lead inspector must immediately contact the duty desk for guidance and support.

If there are reports of unacceptable behaviour, we will investigate these. We may take action, such as pausing an inspection, extending it or calling in senior inspector colleagues. We may also escalate incidents to the appropriate authorities if necessary.

Inspector conduct

During an inspection or event, if you have concerns about an inspector’s conduct, please raise it as soon as possible with the lead inspector. If you do not believe your concerns have been resolved following a conversation with the lead inspector, you should contact Ofsted to speak to a senior leader. On the rare occasion that concerns cannot be resolved while an inspection is ongoing, we have guidance on how you can complain about Ofsted (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/complain-about-ofsted) or when we might consider pausing an inspection (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/deferring-ofsted-inspections).