School self-evaluation and external evaluation (inspection) are complementary processes, focused on improvement and capacity-building.
The Inspection and Self-Evaluation Framework provides a holistic overview of the key aspects of education. In extending the principle of openness and transparency, the Inspection and Self-Evaluation Framework is a framework not only for inspection, but also to support self-evaluation. It should not be used as a checklist, rather as a resource to guide and encourage discussion and support self-evaluation. Similarly, the core areas and cross-cutting themes should not be considered in isolation, rather in an interconnected way.
The Inspection and Self-Evaluation Framework:
- Has three core elements:
- Outcomes for learners
- Quality of provision
- Leadership and management
- Has three cross-cutting elements:
- Care and welfare
- Governance
- Safeguarding
- Is supported by characteristics of effective practice.
- Provides questions for reflection/challenge against the indicators.
- Promotes dialogue about key strengths and areas for improvement.
The Inspection and Self-Evaluation Framework for Governance is a resource to support governors of schools in their on-going process of self-evaluation and to provide transparency in the inspection process by the publication of key indicators of effective practice.