Ofsted has always courted controversy. With the appointment of a strident new chief inspector its operations are likely to remain, or become increasingly, controversial. This article provides a detailed critique of key documents which describe the new inspection regime that for good or ill will have major consequences in schools. Although in certain limited aspects they represent an improvement on the previous inspection regime, the new requirements have many highly problematic elements which undermine the integrity and validity of inspection judgements. The article argues that schools in disadvantaged areas are likely to suffer most from some of the deficiencies highlighted. (Contains 8 notes.)