Ofsted announced on 5 October 2026 that the pause on routine inspections of national professional qualification (NPQ) providers will continue for the rest of the academic year 2026/27. The pause will also apply to routine inspections of early career teacher programme (ECTP) providers.

The organisation said the extension is intended to allow it to keep developing a renewed inspection framework that aligns NPQ and ECTP inspections with the current approach to inspecting other education remits. During this period, Ofsted said it will engage with the sector on the new inspection toolkit, operating guide and report card for NPQ and ECTP providers.

According to the announcement, routine inspections of providers of both programmes will resume in the academic year 2027/28. The minister for school standards requested the extension of the pause.