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Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education)

An official body which regularly inspects all the schools in England which are state funded. Ofsted inspectors produce education reports which are meant to improve standards of achievement and quality of education, provide public reporting and informed independent advice.

The staff is actually fairly small because most of the inspection work is carried out by freelance professionals working on a job by job basis.

Standards are high. The inspectors are rigorous and not easily fooled. Similarly Ofsted monitors the inspectors' work and is quick to point out inconsistencies.

Until recently schools were told of an inspection about six weeks in advance. Nowadays (since September 2005) schools receive two days notice of a visit. This is enough time to get the paperwork in order but not enough time for staff to get stressed preparing for the inspection.

Reports are published, and on the internet, within three weeks of an inspection and Ofsted makes it very easy for anybody to find them.

If you're thinking of moving to Britain the Ofsted site is a must when you're deciding where to live.

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Ofsted