Your story, ready to share when Ofsted calls.
The new Ofsted framework gives more opportunity than ever before to share your school’s unique context and story – but you still need data to back it up. Schools tell us they spend an average of 14 hours compiling data ahead of an inspection, at a time when the last thing they need is extra stress.
That’s why we’re so excited to launch our new Ofsted Inspection Companion today. It’s a brand new Arbor report that automatically pulls together the key data inspectors need to see, structures it in line with the new framework, and uses clear, guided prompts to help you generate a narrative that truly reflects your school. The result is a complete, up-to-date inspection pack that’s ready in minutes, not hours – so your team can walk in on inspection day feeling clear, confident and aligned.
Information ready when you need it
Answering inspection questions just got easier. Arbor’s Ofsted Inspection Companion pulls everything together instantly, so you’re prepared for any data-related question an inspector might ask, from behaviour and attendance to staffing and safeguarding.
Built for the new Ofsted era
The report was designed with guidance from experts at The Key on the new inspection framework, and pulls your live data directly from Arbor – so you know it’s accurate, up-to-date and gives inspectors all the key information they need.
No last-minute scramble
Waiting for “the call” is a lot less stressful when you know your data and story are ready to share at any time. There’s no setup work needed: just follow the guided prompts, and the system fills in the rest automatically from Arbor. So you get precious time back to focus on what really matters: supporting your school community.
“I would recommend [The Ofsted Inspection Companion]. It’s very thorough. Love that it can be used in many ways other than Ofsted – we use it in Governors Meetings as well.”
What does the report include?
✅ Essential MIS data: Key metrics pull directly from Arbor into a template designed with The Key’s inspection expertise.
✅ Cohort breakdowns and inclusion data: Instantly lists disadvantaged pupils, SEND cohorts, pupils known to social care, and young carers, in line with KCSIE and inspection expectations.
✅ Behaviour and attendance analytics: Tables showing attendance by group, exclusions, managed moves, bullying incidents, and internal isolations, all refreshed from live data.
✅ Safeguarding and operational data: Pulls summary safeguarding and staffing information (ECTs, absences, timetable, day structure) directly from your Arbor records.
✅ AI-assisted commentary: Helps you shape your unique story with simple prompts, so your data is seen in context.
How to generate your Ofsted Inspection Companion
The Ofsted Inspection Companion is available for free to all Arbor schools, and can be refreshed multiple times if needed, within your Arbor AI Monthly Free Allowance. We’ve designed it to work efficiently so it only uses up a small proportion of your allowance, each time you generate a report.
Just log into Arbor, go to Reporting > Report Library and search for “Ofsted Inspection Companion”.
It’s quick and easy to generate your report by answering a few simple prompts – but if you get stuck or have any questions, there’s a step-by-step guide on our Help Centre.
We can’t wait to hear your feedback – why not join the conversation on Arbor HQ?
