Understanding Ofsted’s 2025 framework: What it means for wellbeing and inclusion

From November 2025, schools in England will be inspected under a new Education Inspection Framework (EIF) that places pupil wellbeing and inclusion at the heart of how school effectiveness is judged.

The framework marks a decisive shift towards understanding how schools protect, support and nurture children and young people – not just through policy, but through the everyday culture they build. Instead of focusing narrowly on academic outcomes, Ofsted’s refreshed approach recognises that emotional safety, belonging and relationships are the foundations on which learning happens.

   

 

Why pupil wellbeing can no longer be "optional"

More children and young people than ever are experiencing anxiety, poor mental health, and difficulties with attendance and engagement. Recent reports suggest one in five pupils now struggle with their mental wellbeing, and absence figures continue to climb as schools work harder to re-engage pupils after the pandemic years.

Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, stated:

“If schools get it right for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged among their pupils, they will get it right for all of their pupils.”

It’s a powerful reminder that great schools are built on human connection. The best schools – or as Sir Martyn Oliver calls them, the “citadels of childhood” – are places of belonging and shared endeavour, rooted in relationships that make every pupil feel seen and supported.

Ofsted’s new framework builds on this idea. Vulnerability is no longer seen as a fixed label, but as something fluid. Children and young people may move in and out of vulnerability throughout their school lives, depending on what’s happening around them. Recognising this helps schools see wellbeing not as a one-off intervention, but as a thread running through every part of school life.

   

 

A new approach to inspection

The updated framework introduces several significant changes designed to make inspections more rounded, reflective and developmental:

• A broader grading system
  Replacing single-word judgements, schools will now receive a five-point grading scale (from Urgent Improvement to Exceptional), offering a fuller picture of performance and context.
• Personal development and wellbeing
  Personal development remains a separate evaluation area but has been expanded and redefined. The 2025 toolkit brings wellbeing to the forefront, with both pupil and staff wellbeing now forming a key part of inspection.
• Inclusion
  A new standalone area and a thread across others, requiring schools to demonstrate how they meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
• Attendance and behaviour
  Now combined under one evaluation area, reflecting the close link between the two. Inspectors will consider how schools foster positive relationships, routines and inclusion to reduce absence and improve engagement – not simply how they track data or sanction behaviour.
• Safeguarding
  Judged separately on a clear ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’ basis across six areas, reviewing leadership, staff training, record-keeping, safer recruitment, governance and the culture of vigilance and care.

These updates respond to feedback from educators and aim to make inspections more reflective, developmental and proportionate. That said, some stakeholders remain unconvinced that the changes go far enough or address core concerns about workload, consistency and clarity.

   

 

The changing focus of inspections

While wellbeing and inclusion have always played a role in school life, they now sit firmly alongside academic outcomes as central measures of school effectiveness. Inspectors will look more closely at how schools create emotionally safe environments that enable learning, not just what pupils achieve.
The emphasis on culture and connection aligns with a growing understanding that attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding are interlinked – and that strong relationships are the foundation of all four.

How Thrive supports schools and trusts through this shift

For 30 years, Thrive has supported educators to create the conditions where children and young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Our evidence-informed training and digital tools help schools assess, monitor and strengthen social and emotional development across their setting. They also give staff the means to identify pupil needs, plan targeted support and measure impact over time. Independent analysis from ImpactEd shows that schools using Thrive report improved attendance, fewer exclusions and greater staff wellbeing.

Our new My Thrive Scan tool supports schools and trusts to evidence these priorities clearly. Find out more →

   

 

Join our upcoming webinar

Explore what the new Ofsted framework means for pupil wellbeing and inclusion. Hear real school experiences and gain practical strategies to strengthen your provision and meet Ofsted expectations.

11th December, 4:00pm - 5:00pm GMT. Can't join live? Sign up anyway and we'll share the recording.

Register for our upcoming Ofsted focused webinar