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 brings pupil wellbeing, inclusion, attendance and safeguarding to the forefront.

The changes mark a significant shift in focus, reflecting Ofsted’s commitment to a more supportive and context-aware inspection model. Instead of concentrating narrowly on academic outcomes, the renewed framework places greater weight on how schools create cultures that enable every pupil to thrive.

   

 

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 2025 framework introduces several key updates:

• A five-point grading scale and report card system is replacing single-word judgements such as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, offering a more rounded picture of school performance.
• Personal development and wellbeing are being inspected as a standalone area, evaluating how schools promote resilience, confidence and emotional health, alongside staff wellbeing.
• Inclusion is a brand new standalone area of inspection and a prominent theme across others, with schools expected to demonstrate how they meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Attendance is sitting within Behaviour and Attitudes, with inspectors asked to consider the context and underlying factors that may influence absence.
• Safeguarding is being judged separately on a ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’ basis across six key areas.

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

The revised framework represents a shift in emphasis within the inspection process. While wellbeing and inclusion have always formed part of school life, they will now receive greater attention within inspection criteria, sitting alongside academic outcomes as key areas of focus.

This means inspections will look more closely at how schools create environments that support pupils’ broader development, not only their attainment. It signals Ofsted’s intention to provide a more rounded view of what contributes to a school’s effectiveness.

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.

As the inspection framework evolves, Thrive remains committed to staying closely aligned with national priorities - ensuring that educators have the knowledge, tools and evidence they need to respond confidently to change and continue delivering the best outcomes for their pupils.