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'Keep your roots deep in Jesus Christ the Lord, build your lives on him and always be thankful.' - Colossians 2:7
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Trust Thankfulness
21st October 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please find the attached Ofsted report, following our recent inspection under a new framework. The report is due to be published by Ofsted this week.
Schools now receive a ‘report card’ with separate grades for key areas, providing a more detailed picture of school life.
A Shift in Expectations
Ofsted has made a number of changes to how schools are inspected. One of the biggest shifts is that the grade “Expected” is now much harder to achieve than the previous grade of “Good.”
This rise in challenge is partly due to a move away from a “best fit” approach (where inspectors looked at the overall picture) to a “secure fit” model, which means that schools are expected to meet all parts of the criteria in full.
“Needs Attention” - An Important Clarification
In our Ofsted report we have been graded as “Needs Attention”, with the exception of Safeguarding which has been “met” (see below).
Ofsted is clear in its public guidance that:
“Needs Attention” is not a fail, and it is entirely normal for schools to have areas that require further development. This wording simply reflects where practice is still being embedded or where additional focus is needed. Many schools, no matter how strong, will have such areas, particularly during a period in which the inspection framework has changed so significantly.
To view Ofsted’s own explanation, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbl0FvY976g
New Criteria and Embedded Practice
Another significant change is that schools are being judged on new areas of practice that were not part of the inspection expectations last year. These new elements are expected to be fully embedded, even though they are still very new. Naturally, this will take time for all schools to implement well.
“Safeguarding standards met”
When Ofsted inspect schools for safeguarding, there are only two possible outcomes: safeguarding standards are either “met” or “not met”. Our Ofsted report shows that safeguarding standards are “met”, meaning that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Next Steps
We understand that the Ofsted report may cause some concern for parents. However, our Ofsted report reflects a school that has experienced a period of change and transition, and inspectors have acknowledged the positive impact of the recent changes that have been implemented. Leaders have developed a clear understanding of the school's priorities and have already begun taking appropriate action to address areas of weakness. The report recognises that support and training have been brokered, expectations are being raised and important improvements have begun. While much of this work remains at an early stage, there is clear evidence that the school is moving forward with purpose and determination.
On behalf of the governors, we thank you again for your continued support and understanding.
Yours faithfully,
Jo Cubitt
Dr Joanna Cubitt
Chair of the Governing Body, Inskip St Peter’s C of E Primary School
Our OFSTED Report
OFSTED Parent View
We can only move forward if we move forward together. We greatly value your ideas so please do get in touch with us at school to help us sustain and continue to improve our really great school. If you have any comments or concerns please don't hesitate to contact or talk to Miss Leyland or a member of staff.
Ofsted have their own communication tool which allows parents and carers to record their views about a school. Please find a link to this website here.