1. The reporting inspector's pre-inspection call to the headteacher takes place following the notification call on the day preceding the onsite inspection. It is important in establishing a positive professional relationship and sets the tone for the inspection process. When making initial contact, the reporting inspector should offer to arrange a time that is most convenient for a longer discussion. The reporting inspector will usually offer the headteacher the opportunity to have another senior leader present for the pre-inspection call.
  2. The pre-inspection call will focus first on practical arrangements and will then include a discussion to understand the aims and context of the school. The reporting inspector will also clarify the information that inspectors will find helpful to see before the start of the inspection and the information that may be made available at the start of the inspection. Reporting inspectors will provide opportunities in the pre-inspection call for the headteacher to ask any questions.
  3. During the pre-inspection call, the reporting inspector will clearly outline the process for raising any issues during the onsite inspection. This will confirm that raising any issues will not adversely affect any inspection outcome. On inspection, the reporting inspector will provide the headteacher with the phone number for ISI’s head office (0207 600 0100). The headteacher or senior leader may phone this number to request a call back from a senior member of ISI staff during the onsite inspection. This number is provided so that the headteacher or senior leader can let ISI know if they have serious concerns that they feel unable to raise directly with the reporting inspector.
  4. The content of the pre-inspection call should include:
    • explanation that the virtual inspection team room will be the means of communication with the school and will enable the exchange of any documents as required
    • sharing the phone number of ISI’s head office, to be called should any serious issues or concerns arise on inspection which the headteacher feels they cannot raise with the reporting inspector
    • confirmation that there are no conflicts of interest with any members of the inspection team from the school’s perspective
    • confirmation of the identity of the proprietor/s of the school
    • confirmation that the pupil, staff and parent surveys are distributed
    • explanation of the pupil inspection notices and how these should be displayed in several prominent areas of the school where pupils are likely to see them
    • the details of any additional provision in the school, including any registered early years provision
    • confirmation that parents and the proprietor/s are informed of the inspection. The reporting inspector will make arrangements for a suitable time to talk to the proprietor/s (as many as can be available). This discussion may take place remotely if it is not possible for the proprietor/s to visit the school at short notice
    • details of the times of the school day and any extraordinary events that may be taking place during the course of the onsite inspection
    • agreement for a suitable time for the inspection team to be introduced to the staff of the school
    • an explanation that the reporting inspector will hold regular keeping-in-touch (KIT) meetings with the headteacher throughout the inspection
    • an explanation that, at an agreed time after 16:00 on the final day of inspection, the reporting inspector and the headteacher will have a final KIT meeting in which the reporting inspector will give a brief overview of provisional inspection findings
    • an indicative time for the final feedback meeting, after 17:00 on the final day of the onsite inspection
    • information about how inspectors will work with the leaders in the school, including through regular keeping-in-touch meetings with the headteacher as well as invitations to inspection activities to be undertaken alongside leaders from the school
    • Reporting inspectors will remind headteachers that they can choose to have someone accompanying them when they meet with inspectors.
    • clarification that it will typically not be possible for inspectors to observe every teacher at the school. The reporting inspector will explain that inspectors do not require staff to prepare lesson plans for inspectors but should make available any existing curricular or lesson planning documents that are routinely used by teachers
    • the opportunity for the headteacher to point out any staff sensitivities which may need to be taken into account by the inspection team
    • explanation of arrangements for pupil discussions with inspectors, and that pupils are chosen randomly by inspectors. Discussions may also take place with any relevant special interest groups at the school. In co-educational schools that include secondary-aged pupils, inspectors will have discussions with some pupils in single-sex groups
    • explanation of how pupils’ work will be reviewed including where it is held online. The reporting inspector should explain that inspectors will, wherever possible, talk to pupils in lessons about their work as well as review pupils’ work with members of staff and with pupils
    • identification of suitable times to talk to school leaders, members of staff and pupils
    • explanation that any draft timetable shared with the school is flexible and that amendments may be made in the light of emerging findings and the need to triangulate evidence
    • arrangements for the health and safety tour of the school premises
    • practical arrangements including for access to secure Wi-Fi, travel, parking, and any refreshments
    • the reporting inspector will ask the school to provide a space for inspectors to use as an inspection base, where they can hold confidential discussions and work on their laptops. The reporting inspector will keep requirements for the inspection base to the minimum required. For example, there is no requirement for the school to provide a printer or any stationery products.