Do ofsted pick up anonymous reports about schools etc

[OvertoOFSTED]

I want to flag something up, do they read anonymous reports

They read all complaints
However the vast majority fall out of their remit. They try and contact you to tell you how the complaint should be managed- typically this is to go through the schools complaint procedure.

If it is anonymous- usually and made up emails or a hotmail/gmail type account and false phone numbers they cant do this and so it slides unless it is a qualifying complaint. If they cant contact you but it is safeguarding related then they MAY contact the LA and ask their view.

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/rise-in-parents-complaining-to-ofsted-about-schools-post-covid/

https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2023/08/30/more-parental-complaints-dont-mean-more-inspections/

They do, when it is appropriate.

They also expect people to direct their complaints appropriately before complaining to Ofsted.

For example an awful lot of things on Mumsnet that people say should be a complaint to Ofsted aren't a complaint for Ofsted.

@LolaSmiles do you have deeper ofsted knowledge?

I'm in a tricky situation because the child I'm talking about being let down is not my next of kin he's my nephew and his mum my sister is very unwell and doesn't have the energy to pursue it any further with the school
I know ofsted is due some I thought I could raise the issue with them

You have to go through the school's complaint procedure. Ofsred will only tell you to do that anyway. Honestly, I would save your time unless it is a major safeguarding concern but then they would probably direct you to the LA. There are probably a handful of occasions whereby a member of the public flagging something to them would trigger their interest but generally they will direct you back to the school or the LA.

The school won't talk to me because I'm not next of kin.