Earlier this year Ofsted wrote to all maintained schools about changes to arrangements for Section 8 monitoring inspections of:

• satisfactory schools
• schools given a notice to improve
• schools that require special measures.

One key change is that, with the exception of the first three inspections of schools in special measures, Section 8 monitoring inspections will be conducted without prior notification, although the lead inspector will meet with a school's senior leaders to complete preparation and planning for the inspection the day before.