Is your school Inspection ready?

“an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

Benjamin Franklin

 

Whilst Ofsted faces criticism of the officious nature of its school inspections, it is unlikely that the focus on school inspections will be deferred. Only last year the ISI started to review its inspection process, consulting with over 1000 stakeholders, in readiness for the launch of its new inspection framework in September 2023.

Inspection outcomes are, now more than ever, a major factor in pupil parent confidence and as the drive for market share heats up, the pressure on excellent outcomes increases.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. So, how can you ensure that you and your school are inspection ready?

Pre inspection health checks

By arranging for an independent inspection health check before you are called upon to welcome a real inspection team, you and your school will be able to focus on the areas identified as requiring improvement, maximising the time you have available to bring about the necessary actions. It will also afford you time to prepare to showcase the areas you have excelled in.

Showcasing your school

Your team should be positive about their successes and have a platform to demonstrate them. Despite all that has been reported recently, inspections are seldom the combative exercises they once were.  The inspection team will want to find and highlight great practice. Inspectors have been largely supportive to schools for the last twenty years but it is true to say that the Whitehead legend persists and there are the odd difficult lead inspectors around. Use this opportunity to show them what you are most proud of.

Make sure you have the evidence to hand

Guarantee the inspectors a week of ‘show and tell’, not ‘hide and seek’. Have all your evidence ready and in order. Prepare your evidence of compliance for NMS and ISSRs. Don’t make them look for it. Prepare your staff and Governors to show themselves at their best; like an exam, there are techniques to make the process more enjoyable and to help you to gain top results.

Help your Governors to manage the inspection interview

Governors that know, can prove. Let your Governors show that they undertake their responsibilities with aplomb.

Review your policies in line with any new teaching techniques

Ensure you are compliant by reviewing your policies considering any changes you have made.

We can provide independent analysis and advice for Heads, staff and Governors. We complete compliance Health Checks to help smooth the inspection process and minimise any concerns. Our consultants are trained inspectors and have many years of experience successfully supporting schools and preparing paperwork in the run up to, and though, inspections.

Whether you are looking to check the quality of your compliance or your educational excellence, we are on hand to help.

Headspace Academics; we’ve done the thinking for you, so you don’t have to.