The national programme of four-yearly school inspections was introduced in 1993, based on common criteria set out in OFSTED’s Handbook for the Inspection of Schools. Revised guidelines were introduced in February 1996, reflecting the lessons learned, and this book, originally published in 1996 articulates ideas that would have informed these revisions, including short essays by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and the Education spokesmen of the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties. Registered inspectors, teachers, researchers, parents, school governors, policy analysts and policy makers all offer their experience of the strengths, weaknesses and outcomes of the OFSTED inspection process. The book is a companion to Improvement through Inspection? – Complementary Approaches to School Development by the same Editors, published and now reissued simultaneously.

This book provides an overview and discussion of the evidence base of effective school inspections; reflecting on issues of validity and reliability of school inspections in relation to school effectiveness research, unintended consequences and emergent roles and responsibilities of Inspectorates of Education. Chapters include findings from systematic literature reviews and primary research while also presenting a range of practical examples from inspections systems from all over the world. The book provides relevant background materials for Inspectorates of Education who aim to improve the effectiveness of their systems and working methods, as well as clear examples for researchers aiming to analyse and understand the effectiveness of these systems. The final chapter reflects on changes in the current education landscape and discusses newer models of school inspections that fit within a more decentralized inspection system.

The thought of a looming Ofsted inspection can send even the most positive practitioner into a panic. Julian Grenier leads you through the new updated Ofsted framework, and shows you how to navigate the process. He focuses on doing what is best for children and families to build long-lasting and effective provision that can be maintained before, during and after inspection. This new edition includes: • More downloadable templates and resources • Detailed coverage of the curriculum, and the new ‘Quality of education’ judgement • Guidance on working with parents and carers to ensure their voices are part of the Ofsted inspection process This book is ideal for Headteachers, EYFS co-ordinators, Nursery Managers and Early Years practitioners.

`The language of the book is accessible to those who are not involved in education. The 14 chapters describe and evaluate the impact of OfSTED inspection, presenting the cases for external and self-assessment′ - Mentoring & Training School inspection under OfSTED continues to generate discussion and controversy.This book contributes to the wider debate about the role and function of OfSTED inspection, particularly as it relates to school improvement and raising standards. What do we know about the impact OfSTED is having on schools, particularly in terms of their development? Is inspection leading to school improvement? What is the impact of inspection on the average school? This book focuses on the impact of OfSTED inspection, and what happens to schools after their inspection. Does inspection help raise standards? What are the consequences of inspection for successful schools?

School inspections still have the potential to spread fear and panic through even the best-run schools, but this practical book will remove all of the anxiety, with its proven advice to help ensure a successful inspection. Ideal for all teachers, whether newly qualified or with decades of experience, FAQs for School Inspection will guide the reader calmly through the pre- and post-inspection stages, offering valuable insights into what can happen during the inspection itself. Covering recent legislative changes and everything to do with school inspection, it outlines the teacher/inspector relationship and gives advice on coping with the potential stresses of inspections. Organised into logical sections, the book covers issues such as preparing for inspection being inspection-aware the effects inspection has on you personally what happens after inspection. Complete with advice on using inspection to further personal and professional development, this ready-reference guide will allow teachers to play a confident and influential role in school inspection.

This text traces the development of different forms of inspection. It draws on a range of sources such as rigorous and informed research and inspection evidence, writing by key figures, teachers' own experiences, newspaper headlines and other comments, whilst remaining jargon-free. This topical book includes summary questions and other signposts for the reader, as well as a fully annotated bibliography. It also pays attention to other types of school self-evaluation. James Learmouth explores the impact of inspection on schools in difficulties, and outlines the ways in which research and other evidence suggests that schools do improve.

Ofsted don't allow their inspectors to offer advice to schools. But as a former inspector, Paul Garvey is able to use his experience to help headteachers prepare for inspections in order to help every school gain the grade it feels it deserves. His book is full of invaluable insights, gathered from years of experience in inspecting thousands of different schools. He takes readers step-by-step through what schools need to be doing (and not doing!) in advance to prepare, and then walks readers through the inspection process from both the school's and inspector's point of view. Paul refers regularly to Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook in order to link his advice to the grading criteria. And finally, he guides readers on writing their self-evaluation form. This book is a must have for any senior leadership team with an inspection due.