1. The DfE determines how frequently independent schools are inspected. The DfE directs ISI to conduct routine inspections of schools typically once every three years. However, the DfE may request that ISI bring forward the timing of a routine inspection. The DfE may also request that ISI carry out non-routine inspections at any time and at short notice or with no notice.
  2. Routine inspections are usually scheduled for two and a half days and will begin at 12:00 on the first day of the onsite inspection. Inspectors may not arrive at the school earlier than 11:15 on this day. Inspectors will usually leave the school by 18:00 on each day of inspection, although in some instances inspectors may be onsite for longer than this, for instance to observe elements of boarding provision3. On the final afternoon of the inspection, the inspection plan will allow sufficient time for the final team meeting when inspectors will reach the inspection judgements and draw together the feedback to school leaders proprietors and/or governors.
  3. The size of the inspection team is determined by the size of the school (the number of pupils on roll) and the context of the school. The inspection is led by a reporting inspector and in most cases, a minimum of two team inspectors. All members of the inspection team will usually attend for the duration of the inspection.
  4. The shadow role is to observe the inspection. The shadow will not contribute to the evaluation of the evidence or the judgements made by the inspection team. The shadow may attend meetings and take notes.
  5. Inspections may be monitored for quality assurance purposes. The role of the monitor is to ensure that the inspection team adheres to ISI’s inspection methodology and inspection principles. The monitor may ask questions for clarification during meetings with leaders and staff to assure themselves that appropriate evidence is considered by the inspection team. The monitor will support and challenge the inspection team to ensure that the evidence base is robust and supports the judgements reached by the team.
  6. ISI may schedule aligned inspections of linked schools, particularly when schools share the same senior leadership team and proprietors. Where linked schools are inspected at the same time, reporting inspectors will liaise with each other and senior leaders to manage the inspection to minimise disruption and to align inspection activities where appropriate.