Ofsted Online Safety Inspection Preparation for Schools
A practical guide to help schools demonstrate robust online safety provision during an Ofsted inspection.
What Ofsted inspectors look for
Ofsted inspects online safety as part of its wider assessment of safeguarding and the curriculum. Inspectors will want to see that online safety is embedded throughout school life rather than treated as a standalone topic. They look for evidence that leaders understand the risks children face online, that there is a whole-school approach to safety, and that pupils can articulate what they have been taught. The Education Inspection Framework (EIF) makes clear that schools are expected to address the risks of technology in a way that reflects the real online world children inhabit, including social media, gaming, and emerging risks such as AI-generated content.
Evidence to prepare
Schools should be ready to present a clear body of evidence demonstrating their online safety provision. This includes a current and reviewed online safety policy, records of online safety incidents and how they were handled, samples of curriculum planning showing where online safety is taught across year groups, records of staff training and CPD, parent engagement activities such as letters, workshops, or newsletters, and any external audits or reviews the school has commissioned. Inspectors may speak to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) directly, so this person should be able to discuss provision confidently and point to specific examples of how the school has responded to emerging online risks.
Staff training requirements
All staff, not just computing or PSHE teachers, are expected to have a basic understanding of online safety risks and how to respond. The DSL must receive enhanced safeguarding training that specifically includes online safety. Regular whole-staff updates — at least annually — should cover new and emerging risks, how to spot warning signs in pupils, and the school's reporting procedures. Keep signed attendance records and brief summaries of training content as evidence. Consider inviting external organisations such as the UK Safer Internet Centre, CEOP, or local authority safeguarding teams to deliver specialist training, as this demonstrates engagement beyond minimum requirements.
Pupil voice
Ofsted places significant weight on what pupils say they know and have been taught. Inspectors may speak directly with children and ask them what they know about staying safe online, what they would do if something worried them, and whether they feel confident reporting concerns. Schools should regularly gather pupil voice evidence through questionnaires, pupil panel discussions, or circle time feedback. Use this data to identify gaps and strengthen provision. Pupils who can clearly explain key concepts — such as not sharing personal information, recognising grooming, or reporting harmful content — provide strong evidence that online safety teaching is effective and embedded.
Policy checklist
Every school should have a current, reviewed online safety policy that reflects the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) framework. The policy should cover: acceptable use for pupils and staff, procedures for managing online safety incidents, filtering and monitoring arrangements, how online safety is addressed in the curriculum, parent and carer communication, and links to wider safeguarding and behaviour policies. Review and update the policy at least annually, more frequently if significant incidents occur or new guidance is published. Governors should approve the policy and be able to discuss their oversight role. A policy that sits untouched in a filing cabinet will not satisfy an inspector — demonstrate that it is a living document used to guide practice.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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