The inspections are designed to be short and focused. They take no more than two days in a school and concentrate on close interaction with senior managers. Self-evaluation evidence is used as the starting point.

Less notice of inspections is given to schools, to avoid them carrying out unnecessary pre-inspection preparation and to help them reduce the levels of stress often associated with an inspection. This shorter notice is designed to help inspectors see schools as they really are.

Inspection teams are smaller and are usually led by one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs). Furthermore, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector will publish and be responsible for all reports.

Three years is now the usual period between inspection, though they will occur more frequently for schools causing concern.

School improvement is emphasised through the use of the school’s self-evaluation. This is taken as the starting point for inspection. Self-evaluation is expected to include regular input from pupils, parents/carers and other stakeholders, and to inform the school’s internal planning and development. To facilitate this, schools are strongly encouraged to update their self-evaluation form (SEF) on a regular basis.

This is a list of questions inspectors must ask in every institution. It lists a common set of characteristics relevant to the provision of education from early childhood to the age of 19. It includes sections on the institution’s:

• overall effectiveness
• achievement and standards
• quality of provision
• leadership and management.

There will be two categories of schools causing concern: those deemed to require special measures and those given notice to improve.