New Ofsted EIF 2025-2026 Ready: Comprehensive Leadership and Governance Audit

This Leadership and Governance Audit Plan is your essential tool for robust self-evaluation and targeted school improvement , explicitly aligned with the core pillars of the updated Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF). The purpose is to help leaders assess how effectively the school enables all pupils to achieve, belong, and thrive, regardless of background or need.

The audit is structured around the three central inspection areas: Leadership, Inclusion, and Safeguarding.

Audit Instructions: Your Path to Improvement

1. Who Should Be Involved? The audit should be led by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), involving the SENCo, Governors/Trustees, and other staff for depth and accuracy.
   
   
   
2. Gather Evidence: Ground all judgements in evidence rather than assumptions, focusing on the impact of leaders' decisions. Use existing documents, data (including attendance and behaviour), and firsthand evidence like learning walks.
   
   
   
3. Apply RAG Rating: Rate each question based on the practice observed:
   
   Green: Clear strength, consistent practice, positive impact.
   
   Amber: Practice in place but inconsistent or not embedded.
   
   Red: Weaknesses with negative impact; urgent development needed.
   
   
4. Drive Improvement: Record brief, evaluative notes, and set specific, measurable next steps in the 'Actions' column that directly inform your School Improvement Plan.
   
   

This audit is not a one-off exercise but part of an ongoing cycle of self-evaluation. Its purpose is to guide schools in strengthening inclusive education for every child.