5 Things Ofsted Inspectors Check First on Your SCR
When Ofsted walks through the door, your Single Central Record is one of the very first things they ask to see. Here are the five items they scrutinise most — and how to make sure yours is airtight.
Sarah Mitchell
Head of Compliance
When an Ofsted inspector arrives at your school, the Single Central Record (SCR) is typically requested within the first hour. Getting it right isn't just good practice — it's essential for a positive inspection outcome.
1. DBS Check Completeness
Every member of staff who has contact with children must have a current Enhanced DBS check recorded. Inspectors look for gaps — even a single missing entry can raise a red flag.
2. Right to Work Evidence
Inspectors verify that right-to-work checks were completed before each person's start date. Retrospective checks don't count.
3. Barred List Checks
For roles involving regulated activity, a barred list check must be recorded alongside the DBS. Missing this is a common trip-up for schools.
4. Qualifications Verification
Teaching qualifications and QTS status need to be verified and noted. Inspectors cross-reference this with the staff they observe in classrooms.
5. Overseas Checks
For staff who have lived abroad, additional overseas criminal record checks are required. This is increasingly scrutinised, especially in international school settings.
Tip: StaffIQ automatically flags any missing or expiring checks, so you'll never be caught off guard on inspection day.