From trait to state: how Ofsted might consider conceptualising vulnerability for inspection and regulation (2025)
This research was commissioned by Ofsted and carried out by Research in Practice, part of the National Children's Bureau (NCB).
The study explored how vulnerability is currently understood across the education, childcare, and social care sectors. It also considered how Ofsted might conceptualise vulnerability – and its complexity – to support the way we assess inclusive practice while regulating and inspecting these sectors. The research involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including a wide range of professionals, both in and outside the organisation, as well as parents and young people.
Ofsted published Terms of reference: Commissioned research on vulnerability and inclusion for this research in October 2024.
Gaps in understanding vulnerability in education and social care
A new report published by Ofsted has highlighted gaps in how vulnerability is defined and measured within education systems and children's social care. The report is supported by a rapid evidence review that found children may be experiencing ‘hidden’ vulnerabilities not recognised by service providers.
'From trait to state': how Ofsted might consider conceptualising vulnerability for inspection and regulation
Delivering research for the Conceptualising vulnerability for inspection and regulation project for Ofsted. Following the Big Listen survey, Ofsted commissioned Research in Practice at the National Children’s Bureau on how Ofsted might consider vulnerability in the context of its inspection and regulation work.
‘From trait to state’: Emerging findings from the conceptualising vulnerability project with Ofsted
In this blog, Dez Holmes provides an update on a project which aims to explore how Ofsted can better understand vulnerability and its complexity. This is in order to evaluate inclusive practice when inspecting or regulating in both the education and social care sectors.