The notification call is made by the delivery department of ISI and is to let the school know that their inspection will take place. The school will be informed of the inspection dates in the notification call and of the name of the reporting inspector who will lead the inspection.
Once the notification call has taken place, the reporting inspector will call the headteacher to discuss the inspection. This is the pre-inspection call. 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.