Ofsted's updated inspection framework Framework for the inspection of schools in England from September 2005 (July 2005), includes emphasis on how well schools promote equality of opportunity and tackle discrimination so that all learners achieve their potential. The inspection framework refers to the Every Child Matters outcomes and requires inspectors to evaluate and report on the extent to which schools meet external requirements and are responsive to local circumstances. Inspections cover, for example, how schools cultivate pupils’ emotional, behavioural and personal development, including spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and use resources to address the full range of learners' needs.

In addition to the inspection handbooks, Ofsted has produced Evaluating educational inclusion: guidance for inspectors and schools (November 2000) to help inspectors, governors and schools identify what is meant by an inclusive school, and to monitor and evaluate school practices. It also reflects the recommendations in the Stephen Lawrence report that relate to schools and school inspection.

It draws on, among other things, two Ofsted reports about effective practice: Raising the attainment of minority ethnic pupils (1999) and Improving city schools (2003). The guidance is based on the principle that diversity and inclusion and the evaluation of schools' educationally inclusive practice cannot be separated from core judgements about overall school effectiveness.

The guidance directs inspectors to focus their enquiries primarily on significant groups of pupils who may not be benefiting enough from education, and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the school in relation to these groups. Ofsted also provides training for inspectors about inspecting educational inclusion.