New ISI inspections

Julie Booth reviews how the use of technology can help schools with the new ISI Inspection Framework

Recent changes to the ISI Inspection Framework mean that schools will now be inspected every three years, rather than under the previous six-year cycle. Additionally, there are now Standard and Interim inspections, which will be alternated, depending on the results of a school’s previous inspection.

One of the most important changes that schools need to take into account is that the notice period given prior to an inspection has been reduced from 17 weeks to just five working days. This can put pressure on even the most experienced school leader, but there are a number of things you can do to help ensure your school is ready when the inspectors call.

Be well informed
As educators, schools advise their students to read the questions on an exam paper carefully and not jump to conclusions. This advice is equally relevant when applied to an inspection. It is wise not to make any assumptions about what documents need to be made available to inspectors as this will only create unnecessary stress on the day. The ISI produces a guidance booklet that contains a complete list of the documentation that schools need to provide before, during and after an inspection. This will give you all the information you need.

Provide up-to-date information
Schools need to ensure that the information they provide to inspectors is current, so preparation is essential. Technology can help with this. Many schools regularly record details such as their students’ academic attainment or extracurricular achievements on a management information system (MIS). The advantage of this is that it allows them to produce current and detailed reports on how their students are progressing in school at the touch of a button. The more data you store, the more you can provide as evidence of the success of your school’s education strategies, which is key to a successful inspection.

Make the most of your system
An MIS can provide powerful tools for tracking pupil progress, but many systems also help schools with good record-keeping. So make sure you are getting full benefit from your investment. You may be able to set up standard alerts that will remind you to review school policies, update staff CRB records and ensure that visas for any overseas students are current, for example. By keeping on top of these routine tasks throughout the school year, you’ll be one step ahead when notice of your inspection arrives. This will give you more time to concentrate on the specific information requirements of the inspection team.

Keep staff training up-to-date
The ISI offers a range of training and advice on preparing for an inspection. Your MIS provider may also run courses on getting the maximum amount of information out of your system with the minimum of effort. Plan ahead to make sure your staff understand what the information requirements are for their area of responsibility and build all their training needs in to your usual development planning cycle .

Awaiting the arrival of the school inspectors can be a stressful time for all school staff. However, schools that are well prepared can embrace the inspection as a tool for driving business efficiency and delivering academic excellence. This is, after all, what every independent school works hard to achieve.

Julie Booth is head of independent schools at Capita Children’s Services. Capita’s SIMS management information system is used by 500 UK and international independent schools. www.sims-independent.co.uk

Return to IT