GovWire

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) explains how Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) will work together. It includes:

• the governance and accountability framework that applies between the roles of the DfE and Ofsted
• how the day-to-day relationship works in practice, including in relation to governance and financial matters
• other government requirements that apply to Ofsted as an arms length body

It is not intended to cover every detailed aspect of the working relationship between the 2 parties. It is a statement of principles to enable the discharge respective responsibilities effectively and to avoid duplication of effort, misunderstanding or unnecessary impact on third parties.