Schools: For Schools

During a maintained school inspection

Here is what will happen at your school during a typical inspection.

Day 1

The lead inspector meets the headteacher; this includes confirming or updating the arrangements for the inspection.
The lead inspector discusses the pre-inspection briefing with the headteacher and the school’s senior leadership team.
The inspection team meets for a briefing from the lead inspector.
The inspection team plans lesson observations.
The inspection team checks parents’ questionnaires.
The lead inspector updates the headteacher on the progress of the inspection throughout the day.
The inspection team gives feedback to observed teachers.
The inspection team has a team meeting; the headteacher or another member of the school’s senior leadership team will usually attend.

There is a short meeting with the headteacher.
The inspection team continues with inspection activities.
The inspection team analyses returns from pupils’ and staff questionnaires.
The lead inspector updates the headteacher on the progress of the inspection throughout the day.
The inspection team holds regular meetings throughout the day.
The inspection team completes any final lesson feedback to teachers.
The inspection team has a final meeting to discuss final judgements and grades, feedback, and recommendations for improvement. The headteacher is usually present at the meeting.
There is feedback to governors, other senior staff and a local authority representative if invited by the headteacher.

These include:

lesson observations
analysis of pupils’ work
a look at school records and documentation
analysis of parents’, pupils’ and, where relevant, staff questionnaires
discussion with staff, pupils, governors and, where appropriate, the school’s partners.