Enrichment Framework Published

Measures for schools to increase children’s opportunities to develop new skills and interests have now been published.  The enrichment framework guidance is not statutory, but from September 2026 Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of how it assesses personal development.

There are eight new benchmarks against which schools will be able to evaluate their provision and make improvements. The enrichment activities should cover each of the five categories: arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills. Schools will be able to use a self-assessment and action planning tool to help them assess their offer against the new benchmarks.

Schools are expected to have a “structured enrichment offer” which is backed by senior leadership and governors and understood by staff. Schools should also have a plan for implementation and monitoring, including clear roles and responsibilities.

They should also consider how the offer contributes to achieving development priorities and statutory requirements and include it in their school development plan and strategic plan where appropriate.

Pupils should have opportunities to take part in activities supported or delivered by “high-quality external partners” as well as those developed by schools with leaders looking at opportunities to work with local, national and virtual partners to broaden their offer. This could range from local sports clubs, FE and HE providers, local, regional and national employers, museums, theatres and libraries and guest speakers. Schools should also be able to signpost to opportunities that extend beyond their own enrichment offers.

If you would like to know more about why enrichment is so important have a look at the DAG website, conference section to hear the presentations on enrichment from last month’s conference sessions.