What's Changing with Ofsted in September 2026
A quick orientation to this September's toolkit update, so you know what's new and what's just tidied up.
Every September, Ofsted refreshes the toolkits and operating guides that sit underneath its inspection framework. This is the first refresh since report cards launched in November 2025. It doesn't change the report card system itself, just tightens up the detail underneath it, mostly around safeguarding and inclusion.
Safeguarding: Inspectors now have clearer expectations that safeguarding is a whole-school approach, not just the designated safeguarding lead's job. There's more detail on support for vulnerable pupils, disqualification checks under the Childcare Act 2006, how DSLs and SENCos work together, and fire safety as part of the safeguarding picture.
Inclusion and SEND: More focus on whether pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils are actually making progress, not just whether the plans exist. Extra detail on the SENCo role and support through Education, Health and Care plans.
Monitoring visits: Clearer rules for schools in a category of concern: how a visit affects your grade, when a report card updates versus a full report, and how a category gets removed.
Smaller changes: Equality Act compliance, spotting off-rolling, mobile phone policies, EYFS profile data, and how inspectors approach learning walks and reading all got minor clarifications.
None of this changes how you use Intelligent Evidence day to day. It's worth a quick check of what you've mapped under Safeguarding and Inclusion ahead of September, since those are where most of the detail landed.