Schools inspections could be paused for up to five days if there are serious concerns about the wellbeing of leaders, Ofsted’s new policy sets out. As first revealed by Schools Week, the inspectorate has now introduced a policy to pause inspections. In its response to the coroner鈥檚 report into the death of head Ruth Perry, the watchdog admitted there had 鈥減reviously been no clear, written policy for pausing inspections鈥. Coroner Heidi Connor said it was 鈥渟uggested by Ofsted witnesses that it is an option to pause an ongoing inspection because of reasons of teacher distress鈥. But Schools Week previously revealed the inspectorate had no central record of pauses being carried out. Details of the . Here鈥檚 your trusty Schools Week explainer of how it will all work. 1. What is a pause and how would it work? This refers to when an inspection that has already started is halted. The policy to defer an inspection 鈥 made before the visit starts 鈥 is separate and is also still in place. The lead inspector 鈥渨ould normally initiate鈥 the pause, but the head or responsible body can also ask for a pause. 鈥淥pen, honest and professional discussion sits at the heart of the decision-making process,鈥 the new guidance states. Heads who have concerns they 鈥渄o not feel that they can discuss鈥 with the inspector are able to contact a senior inspector on a number they will be given during the initial notification call. They would contact the lead inspector to discuss the concern, which could include a remote review of evidence or deploying another inspector to quality-assure the inspection. Where 鈥渄ifferences are irreconcilable鈥, a change of inspectors could be initiated. 2. When would a pause be considered? The guidance states a pause would be in 鈥渆xceptional circumstances that mean it cannot reasonably proceed鈥. 鈥淚nspectors will make every effort to protect the integrity of the inspection, which is carried out in the interests of children and their parents and carers, and so only exceptional circumstances will result in a pause,鈥 the policy stated. Examples given are: Circumstances that compromise Ofsted鈥檚 ability to gather sufficient evidence to reach valid and reliable judgements, and where leaders require support from the responsible body Any other 鈥渘otable incident that has a significant effect on the routine day-to-day running of the school鈥 The lead inspector will ask before an inspection who is responsible for the wellbeing of the headteacher, and if they have any significant concerns about a leader鈥檚 wellbeing they will make the responsible body aware. Any discussion over a pause would also include the responsible body. 3. Who decides if an inspection should be paused? As part of a pause, the lead inspector would contact Ofsted鈥檚 regional duty desk who will seek advice from the national safeguarding and wellbeing duty desk. The national duty desk will discuss: The reason for the proposed pause, and whether a pause is necessary Where there is a wellbeing concern, inspectors will ensure responsible bodies are aware and told 鈥渢hey need to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure continued leadership during the pause鈥 Whether the possibility of a pause has been mentioned to leaders The length of the pause being considered, which should 鈥渂alance the views of the responsible body with the wider well-being issues of leaders and staff and the need to put children and learners first鈥 All pauses will be recorded. And whatever decision is made, it should be explained to the school and details kept. 4. No pause if child wellbeing concern Pausing an inspection 鈥渨ill usually not be appropriate where we are concerned that children and young people may be at risk of serious harm鈥, the policy states. 鈥淭he safety and well-being of children and learners are our first priority.鈥 In these cases, other steps such as adding additional time to the inspection may be considered. 鈥淚n deciding this, we will consider how quickly the responsible body can assure themselves and confirm to inspectors that the significant health and well-being issues have been addressed and there is no significant detrimental effect on the day-to-day operations of the school,鈥 the guidance adds. 5. How long would inspections be paused for? Guidance states inspectors should be 鈥渃onsiderate of the well-being of all staff and the additional pressure that an extended pause can have on all those involved in an inspection鈥. The 鈥渟tarting point鈥 will be that a paused inspection would resume the next working day. However, the pause 鈥渕ay be up to five working days, depending on the school鈥檚 capacity to maintain its typical day-to-day operations and/or inspector availability鈥. This would give the responsible body time to 鈥渕ake any necessary arrangements for the inspection to continue鈥. In 鈥渆xceptional cases鈥 the pause could be longer, but this may then have to be treated as an 鈥溾 鈥 which means a further full inspection would be required. 6. Schools also allowed to 鈥榯ake a break鈥 The guidance states lead inspectors should 鈥渟eek to support anyone who becomes distressed or upset during an inspection鈥. The guidance adds that it is also 鈥渆ntirely appropriate and acceptable to take a break from inspection activities, provided the inspection can be completed within the planned tariff and timescale鈥. This would not be considered a pause, and the inspector would aim to 鈥渃omplete the inspection wherever possible, with adjustments to the timetable鈥. 7. Inspectors should 鈥榯reat everyone fairly and sensitively鈥 The guidance also makes clear the expectations on inspector conduct. They should 鈥渕aintain a positive working relationship with providers, based on professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect鈥. They should also 鈥渁ct with integrity and to treat everyone they meet fairly and with sensitivity鈥. It adds inspectors should 鈥渢ake all reasonable steps to prevent undue anxiety and to minimise stress during inspections and regulatory activities鈥.