Inclusion Review
Inclusion is about making sure every child belongs. When inclusion works well, pupils get the support they need, families feel heard, and…
ExploreCase Sampling for Inclusion
Inspectors no longer just read your policies. Under the renewed Ofsted framework, they follow real children through your school to see how inclusion works in practice. Case sampling does the same thing. We pick individual pupils and trace their whole experience, from identification to support to outcome, to see whether your inclusion works for the children who need it most. It’s the closest thing to seeing your school through an inspector’s eyes.
Below, we explain what case sampling for inclusion involves, and how it helps you test inclusion where it really counts.
What Is Case Sampling for Inclusion?
It’s an independent check that follows individual pupils through your systems, rather than just reviewing documents. We choose a sample of children, often those with SEND, disadvantage, or who are otherwise vulnerable, and trace their journey. We look at how they were identified, what support they get, and the difference it makes. This mirrors how inspectors test inclusion under the renewed framework.
It gives you a reliable, honest picture of how inclusion works in real life, free from internal bias. You see your school as an inspector sees it, with practical steps to build on.
Who Is Case Sampling for Inclusion For?
It’s designed for all education settings: maintained schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts, Alternative Provisions, and SEND Units/Hubs. Headteachers, SENCOs, and inclusion leads use case sampling to test their systems, support staff, and show they take inclusion seriously.
Many schools ask for it before an inspection, when preparing for the renewed framework, after a change in leadership, or simply as good practice on a regular cycle.
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What Does Case Sampling for Inclusion Include?
We follow real pupils through every stage of their experience. You can choose the focus and the sample with us. Our most common areas include:
- How pupils are identified and their needs assessed
- The support and provision each pupil receives
- How well support is recorded, reviewed, and adapted
- The progress and outcomes each pupil makes
- How staff know and understand each child
- The pupil’s own experience of school
- How inclusion, SEND, attendance, and safeguarding connect
- Whether your systems work as well in practice as on paper
- How your practice compares to the renewed Ofsted framework
How Case Sampling for Inclusion Helps Your School, Academy, Trust, or Alternative Provision
1
See inclusion through a child’s eyes
Systems can look strong until you follow one child through them. Case sampling traces a real pupil’s journey. You see exactly where support works and where it breaks down for that child.
2
Prepare for how Ofsted really inspects
The renewed framework follows individual pupils, not just paperwork. We test your school the same way. This shows you what inspectors will find before they arrive, so there are no surprises.
3
Find the gaps between paper and practice
A plan on file doesn’t mean support in the classroom. We check whether what’s promised actually happens. This reveals gaps you can close before they affect a child or an inspection.
4
Support your staff
Inclusion depends on staff knowing their children. A review shows where training or support would help. It gives your team clearer expectations and more confidence to meet need well.
5
Give clear proof for inspection
When inspectors track your pupils, you’re ready. Our sampling shows what you do, how it works, and what checks you’ve made. This makes inspections smoother and less stressful.
6
Support better decisions
You get clear facts about real children, not guesswork. Leaders can plan support, training, and provision based on what the sampling shows. This makes your strategy stronger and more focused.
7
Make sure no child slips through
Case sampling is designed to catch the children who fall between the gaps. It highlights where a pupil is being missed or let down. It helps you make sure every child is seen and supported.
Book a quick, friendly callTwenty minutes with Shaun, our Founder and CEO, to explore how we can help you.
How Our Case Sampling Works
- 1We agree the focus and the sample of pupils to follow with you.
- 2Our experienced team reviews each pupil’s records, plans, and history.
- 3We speak to leaders, staff, and the pupils themselves to understand their experience.
- 4We visit lessons and follow each child’s support in action.
- 5We gather facts and evidence only, no assumptions or bias, then produce a concise, easy-to-read report with findings and clear next steps.
- 6We work efficiently and focus only on what matters. Our independent view gives you a clear and accurate picture of inclusion in practice.
What You Get at the End
You receive a high-quality written report. It includes:
- What your school does well and where it’s strong
- Exact areas where individual pupils are being let down or missed
- Practical, realistic recommendations you can use straight away
- Clear evidence you can show inspectors, governors, or trustees
Arrange a chatTell us your timescale and we'll tell you honestly whether we can meet it.
Key Features of Our Service
Aligned to the renewed Ofsted framework
We test inclusion the way inspectors now do, by following real pupils. You get assurance that reflects how you’ll actually be inspected.
Flexible sampling models
Pick what you need: a broad sample or a focus on a specific group. We adapt to you.
Clear, professional reporting
Reports are simple to understand. They help you improve and prove your standards.
Why Choose Jarvis Education?
We work only with education settings, and we know how the renewed Ofsted framework tests inclusion. We understand the pressures staff face and what good inclusion looks like for individual children. Our independent view helps you test inclusion where it counts, with every decision staying focused on pupils.
Want to know how case sampling could help your school? Just get in touch.
Next Steps & How to Get Started
- Speak to one of our experts. We’ll explain how we work, answer your questions, and help you choose the right sample and focus for your school.
- We book dates well in advance. Once you’re happy, we confirm everything in writing and start planning your visit.
- Contact us today to discuss how we can support your school, academy, trust, and alternative provision.
- We’re ready to help and support you.
Who We Work With
We support settings of every type across England and internationally.
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