News on the Church Schools Self-Evaluation Toolkit and SIAS/Section 48 Inspections
We would like to thank all the headteachers, teachers, clergy and governors who came to one of ourrecent toolkit briefings/training sessions. If your school was unable to attend, a brief summary of the main features of the revised toolkit is included below.
An electronic version of the toolkit and other information about SIAS/Section 48 inspections are available on the diocesan website.
The questions in the toolkit will form the basis of all SIAS/Section 48 inspections in the diocese. At the briefings, some concern was expressed about the timescale outlined by the diocese for schools to complete the revised toolkit, particularly as many schools are finding that the new Ofsted SEF is taking a long time to complete.
In the light of this feedback, we have revised our advice to inspectors and schools:
September – December 2009
Schools should provide SIAS/Section 48 inspectors with a completed copy of the old toolkit and any sections completed of the revised toolkit.
January – July 2010
Schools should provide SIAS/Section 48 inspectors with as many sections of the revised toolkit as they have been able to complete and a completed copy of the old toolkit.
From September 2010
Schools should provide SIAS/Section 48 inspectors with a completed copy of the revised toolkit.
What are the key features of the revised toolkit?
It should be used(or an appropriate alternative) by all church schools in the diocese from September 2009 so that the old toolkit is phased out by September 2010.
It is available electronically for downloading from our website
It is designed so that evidence from your old toolkit can be copied and pasted electronically, as you complete your review process
What is the same?
Four main sections for voluntary aided schools (three for voluntary controlled schools):
AHow well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?
BWhat is the impact of Collective Worship on the school community?
CHow effective is Religious Education? (voluntary aided schools only)
DHow effective are the leadership and management of the school as a Church school?
What is different?
Questions about Religious Education have been added to section A, to be answered by all schools. (NB. When voluntary controlled schools are inspected, the inspection will only focus on how RE contributes to the Christian character of the school).
Questions about Community Cohesion in sections A and C.
Reference to Succession Planning in section D.
Grade descriptors are provided in each section to help schools complete their self-assessment.
You are encouraged to provide brief notes as evidence and to signpost from the toolkit to your Ofsted SEF or other documents.
You are asked to consider both provision and evidence of impact; please note that the box for provision is deliberately smaller and should not be expanded. You are asked to focus more on the evidence of impact of what you have provided.
At the end of each section a Summary sheet is provided for you to outline strengths and areas for development for that section.
Schools are also asked to complete a Progress Sheet evaluating their progress since the previous SIAS/Section 48 inspection.