Birmingham Diocesan Education ServiceForming Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice. About us What We Offer Our MIssion and Values Our vision and strategy Our schools Our Schools Admissions CSI Inspections Our work with schools Catholic Education High quality inclusive education Raising Standards: Best Practice Leadership Recruitment and Formation Finance and Operations Directives and Protocols DES Model Policies and Information Work with us Flourishing Catholic Workforce Train to Teach in Catholic Schools Vacancies Governance What's on Training and Events DES Circulars 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Get in Touch Safeguarding Notice of Deferral (for Ofsted) When the archdiocese is notified that a school, which has not undergone denominational inspection within the last five years, is to undergo an Ofsted inspection, a Notice of Deferral will be sent electronically to the head teacher to explain that a school has not undergone a denominational inspection within the usual timeframe, due to the pandemic. This notice should be shared with the lead inspector. The DfE has assured the CES that such a letter will be considered as a legitimate and valid reason for deferral of denominational inspection by Ofsted inspectors. Manage Cookie Preferences