New ISI inspection regime comes into force in April
News
As schools inspected by ISI will be aware, the new ISI inspection framework will take effect from next term. Under the new framework inspections will focus solely on regulatory compliance – although ISI hopes to pilot inspections of quality and outcomes in the Autumn term, with a full rollout from January 2017. In the meantime, schools inspected from next term onwards should expect to be inspected on regulatory compliance only.
Compliance inspections will focus on whether regulatory requirements are met (ie whether schools meet minimum standards), although the narrative accompanying the report may provide an indication of quality in some areas, in particular on educational standards.
Inspections will take place over two days rather than five, and fewer inspectors (as few as two in some cases) will visit each school. Inspection frequency will be determined by risk factors, but inspections will be carried out at least every three years.
Two working days’ notice of inspections will be given under the new regime, and policies will be checked by the inspection team in advance of visits. This means that it is particularly important that schools have their documentation ready and up to date at all times and that the correct versions of the required policies are available on the school website and/or the ISI portal.
The new Regulatory Compliance Inspection Framework, Guidance and Pre-Inspection Information are available to schools through the ISI website.
If you require further information on anything covered in this briefing please contact Alice Cave ([email protected]; 020 3375 7265) or your usual contact at the firm on 020 3375 7000.
This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
© Farrer & Co LLP, March 2016
