The New Framework

A Progressive And Welcome Development

The following is taken from an article by Devon Cassidy, a senior ISI leader for over 13 years.

Issues with Previous Framework and Need for Change:

  • Pandemic trauma, societal disruptions, and mental health crises among children highlighted flaws in the old framework.
  • The rise in social movements and societal issues, such as sexual abuse awareness (DfE’s review), stressed the need for a revised approach.

Features of the New ISI Inspection Framework:

  • Emphasizes well-being, leadership, and the holistic well-being of school communities.
  • Integrates wellbeing into inspection criteria, reflecting a modern approach to education and safeguarding.
  • Simplifies the inspection cycle, combining compliance and quality assessments.

Wellbeing and Leadership Focus:

  • Stresses the importance of staff wellbeing for overall school health.
  • Encourages schools to adopt strategies that prioritize wellbeing for both students and staff.

Consultation and Report Changes:

  • The new framework was developed in response to feedback from school leaders, aiming to reduce workload and promote practical inspections.
  • Inspection reports will be clearer, focusing on the student experience and school leadership.

Increased Emphasis on Provision and SEND:

  • Greater focus on education provision over outcomes, with a specific duty to support students with SEND.
  • Encourages learning outside the classroom and values recreation for wellbeing.

Preparation for Schools:

  • Schools should understand compliance, review policies, and ensure recruitment processes are thorough.
  • Middle leaders should refine curricula, focusing on inclusivity and comprehensive career advice, aligning with the Gatsby benchmarks.
  • Recommends a strategic approach to CPD and updates on safeguarding, SEND, and Prevent training.

Future Themes and Training:

  • Anticipates updates on Keeping Children Safe in Education, a focus on SEND, and adjustments to the Prevent strategy.
  • Suggests schools prepare for changes in RSE guidance and staff training.