Safeguarding is at the Heart of All ISI Inspections

This involves checking whether schools are compliant with the minimum standards required, not only in terms of policies and procedures but, importantly, in what they do.

Liaison with the local authority safeguarding leads and the DfE about safeguarding issues is a key part of our work. Inspectors not only check documentation but also interview staff and pupils to satisfy themselves as to the school’s safeguarding culture.

ISI inspections pay particular attention to hearing pupils’ voices. All pupils are invited to complete a confidential questionnaire in advance of the inspection and inspectors prioritise formal and informal meetings with pupils to ensure that any issues raised can be followed up during the visit.

For the same reason all parents are invited to complete a confidential pre-inspection questionnaire.