School Website Review

Does your website meet the DfE’s statutory criteria, as expected by Ofsted?

In line with HMI guidance, Focus Education offers a review to see if your website meets the statutory criteria. (updated most recently in August 2020)

You are no doubt aware of the importance of your website to the inspection process. Your school's website provides a key starting point for HMI and lead inspectors, who begin planning the inspection based on the evidence they find there, especially regarding safeguarding and the curriculum across the full range of subjects.

The DfE publishes a list of the statutory information on a school’s website, depending on whether a setting is maintained, an academy or a free school. Schools are obliged to ensure their website is compliant with these criteria.

Unfortunately, some schools find out too late that this information is not current or does not appear on their website, often because the headteacher or principal has delegated the update to other staff. It is also sometimes difficult for school staff to review a website objectively when they have contributed to the content.

What will happen?

This review service is carried out by one of our consultants, who has considerable inspection experience. It provides a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ to ensure your school website meets statutory criteria and provides the information an inspector would expect to find.

Each criterion is RAG-rated, and commentary notes are provided for any areas that could be improved or are not evident. The report also includes a section of general comments aimed at helping a school ensure its website is as user-friendly and accessible as possible. The review will be specific to the criteria published for maintained schools, academies or free schools. An example of a maintained school can be viewed here.

What you need to send

We only require a link to your website and confirmation of your school’s status. We will then produce the review within two weeks of commissioning.

Fee for service

The total cost is £200.
Please contact Linda Davies for details and to book your website review.

Email: consultancy@focus-education.co.uk or fill out our consultancy enquiry form