DfE school website requirements?

The DfE shares what you are expected to publish via your school website and Ofsted take this into account, see the below extracts from Ofsted reports.?

• The school’s website is extensive and supports parental engagement – Good School?
• Parents appreciate the advice and information available on the school's website, which helps them to support their children's learning at home – Good School?
• They should also ensure that all required information about the school is published on the school website – Requires Improvement School?
• Confidential information has been inappropriately published on the school website – Inadequate School?

So your website really can make a difference to the way Ofsted view and judge your school.??

With the correct rigor and oversight, your school website will ensure that your inspection starts well and you avoid unnecessary issues.?

Have there been any recent changes??

It’s worth remembering at this point that there are two different lists. One for maintained schools and the other for academies and free schools. Both of these lists were amended on the 17th of April 2023 to include a requirement for publishing trust board diversity data and the guidance for maintained schools was further amended on the 25th April 2023 to clarify that information on board diversity data should be widely accessible to members of the school community and the public.?

Community/Stakeholder engagement and website requirements?

It is possible to build a great-looking website that is functional, meets the needs of your community, meets the requirements of the DfE and Ofsted and showcases the uniqueness of your school. In doing this you can effectively use your website to get ahead of an inspection by evidencing how you do what you say you do.?

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Ask yourself are you showcasing the quality of education in your school??

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Schools that stand out are doing just that, showcasing their work on their website and doing so in a way that galvanises the school community. They then listen to parents, teachers, pupils and other key stakeholders to gather their views, as a result they don’t need to worry about inspections or Ofsted.?

5 Tips for School Website Compliance?

1. Make an unforgettable first impression with your school website! - It's not just a mere online presence, but your ticket to a hassle-free inspection. Imagine if you had a reputation for being meticulous and precise in everything you do - minor hiccups would be brushed aside without worry. But if that's not the case, inspectors will leave no stone unturned, scrutinising every tiny detail they stumble upon. So let's ensure your website is a shining example of excellence and leaves no room for unnecessary questions or headaches!?
2. Content must be easy and fast to find - Let's talk about a must-have requirement that often gets overlooked. We've all been there - getting lost and frustrated while searching for information on a website. Well, guess what? Even Ofsted Inspectors know exactly how you feel!?

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It’s likely that, just like the rest of us, if they can’t find what they are looking for within 10 minutes, they will simply give up. Just imagine spending a whole 10 minutes combing through a website in search of one specific item. That's an eternity!?

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So, what's the secret to success? It's simple: Make sure you know where your statutory content is located and make it incredibly easy to find. Trust me, it'll make a world of difference!?

1. Safeguarding – It’s at the top of the list of priorities for Ofsted, and rightly so. Make sure that any policy linked to safeguarding are in-date and available quickly. That way you give a clear picture that you treat safeguarding with the highest level of concern.??
2. Set reminders and don’t skip them – Keeping the statutory information that you are required to publish up to date can be a task on it’s own, especially with 20 different elements that need sharing. Make this easier by keeping a central log and setting reminders in your calendar.?
3. Make sure you stay current all year - Changes to the statutory requirements can crop up at any time of year. Furthermore, it’s not unheard of these days for a requirement to be added but not appear on the list of ‘what schools must publish online’; take safeguarding for example.?

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It’s really important to have a plan in place to ensure you stay fully aware of the latest requirements all year round. Going to the respective DfE page (see links later in the blog) and hitting the ‘Get information about this page’ button is a great way to start.?

Making Policies Accessible on Your School Website??

While policies and documents may not be the most thrilling content to showcase on your school website, it is crucial to handle them consistently and accurately. Unlike news or blog updates, statutory content does not require frequent updates. However, it needs to endure the test of time since visitors will be referring to the same policy page until your website undergoes a redesign, which typically happens every three years.?

One important aspect to note is including any relevant legislation in the introduction of each policy, as instructed. Surprisingly, this detail is often overlooked.?

To make policies more user-friendly, consider grouping them into categories and displaying them on a dedicated page. Instead of presenting visitors with a long list of documents to sift through, add some styling elements like icons next to each file name to break up the content and enhance usability.?

Additionally, think about providing functional features for your visitors. It's beneficial to include specific links for downloading and printing policies, and if possible, incorporate an in-page preview of the document. This approach allows visitors to access the content without being redirected elsewhere, aligning with the compulsory requirement set by Ofsted for certain information.??

Where can I find the list of what I should publish??

Many businesses offer checklists that you can download, but given that some information needs sharing as a statutory requirement I would recommend going straight to the DfE lists online:?

• Maintained schools – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-maintained-schools-must-publish-online#full-publication-update-history?
• Academies, free schools and colleges - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-academies-free-schools-and-colleges-should-publish-online#full-publication-update-history?

Conclusion?

In conclusion, the requirements for school websites set by the DfE and Ofsted play a crucial role in how schools are viewed and judged. A well-designed and informative website can positively impact parental engagement, support students' learning at home, and demonstrate the quality of education provided. It is important for schools to stay updated with the latest requirements and ensure that all necessary information, especially regarding safeguarding, is easily accessible and up to date.??

By following these guidelines and making policies accessible and user-friendly, schools can showcase their uniqueness and potentially avoid unnecessary issues during inspections. Remember, your school website is not just an online presence but a tool that can make a significant difference in how your school is perceived.?