Gathering evidence

As noted in Conducting the inspection:

‘During the inspection, most of the time on site will be spent in gathering first-hand evidence by:

• observation of lessons
• talking to staff, learners and others in the school – including the chair of governors, or a nominated alternative
• tracking school processes, such as self-evaluation and performance management
• analysing samples of work – normally during lesson observations, though there may be occasions when materials need to be collected together for a specific evidence trail
• joining meetings such as school council or management meetings, and directly observing management processes, such as the monitoring of teaching
• analysing records relating to learners, such as those with special educational needs.’

Conducting the inspection, p6

An example of an inspector’s evidence form is provided on the Ofsted Web site:

	Evidence form

The evidence form records the focus of the evidence-gathering activity. It is worth making sure you and your staff are aware of the aspects that inspectors are looking for. Inspectors may use this form for lesson observations, interviews, discussions or analyses of work. However, note that inspectors only require such evidence as is fit for their purpose, ie that verifies an assertion made by the school or clarifies an issue. Copious extra documentation should not be requested.

Inspectors complete the form with the help of the following Ofsted guidance:

	Guidance on the use of evidence forms

Evidence trails

Schools may be asked to set up an evidence trail, if that is seen as the best way to demonstrate the assertions made in their self-evaluation form. A presentation demonstrating the items which might be included in evidence trails is provided below: