Guidance

Ofsted safeguarding policy

Ofsted’s safeguarding policy and guidance for inspectors on handling safeguarding disclosures.

• From: Ofsted
• Published: 5 February 2015
• Last updated: 7 November 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 7 November 2025

     We've added information to clarify the process for inspectors to report concerns about children. We've added a new section to 'Safeguarding concerns: guidance for inspectors' to explain how to address concerns about adults at risk during an inspection. We've updated the guidance to reflect new policies and changes to existing policies and processes.

  2. 1 September 2021

     Updated the internal contact inspectors should use when arranging a safeguarding referral.

  3. 8 March 2018

     Updated Ofsted's safeguarding policy to reflect our current strategy, and added guidance for inspectors.

  4. 17 July 2015

     The policy now has an annex: assessment of risk in settings, where children attend, because individuals reside on the premises or have access to children and young people.

  5. 5 February 2015

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Ofsted safeguarding policy

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Safeguarding concerns: guidance for inspectors

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Details

The safeguarding policy sets out Ofsted’s approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. It applies to all areas of Ofsted’s work.

The separate guidance sets out what inspectors should do if they learn during an inspection that a child or learner is being harmed, or is at risk of harm.