ISI new framework Sept 2023 - some notes for information

GDST ISI Framework 23 update for Middle leaders webinar recording, with the accompanying notes and slides, can now be viewed on GDST Connect. This webinar focused on Section 2 of the framework and was aimed at Heads of Subject and Faculty. 

1. ‘Governance, leadership and management’ will not be an add on but a more central aspect of inspections moving forward. This has implications at all levels, but particularly for middle managers. Middle managers will need to be prepared to answer more in depth questions about T&L. They will need to be primed on the sort of things to talk about regarding the way that pupils learn, not just about their subject curriculum. How do pupils learn best? How do you know? How do you evaluate successful teaching? How do you share best practice?  

2. Work scrutiny will now be changing so that heads of department will bring along examples of pupils work and talk about why the topic was successful and how they know it was. Similarly with pupils – they will now be asked to bring along their books with them (like it was with integrated inspections) so they can talk about their learning; something they found challenging and how they were supported (e.g. what sort of teaching helps you to learn best, how does the school involve you in in decisions about T&L? Are you asked for feedback on how you learn best? Do you get choice in how you present your work?). These questions will not be provided to schools. Reporting inspectors will use policies, attainment data and questionnaire responses to adapt questions rather than follow a specific set. (For example, a reporting inspector might find great results in science but weak in history – they’ll ask to see pupils’ books in both and try to unpack why that might be in pupil interviews.)

3. There will be a greater focus on SEND within new framework – making sure needs are met in the general teaching not only in additional support. This, of course, has more implications for middle managers.  

4. Quality Assurance processes and their links to CPD will be scrutinised – the ‘so what’ of quality assurance data.

5. Lesson observations will be joint with an inspector and a SLT or Middle Leader. This is a really positive change as it allows us to work alongside inspectors and share our vision and approach.

6. Stretch and challenge will be increasingly important, particularly how teachers ensure that all pupils are making progress as individuals, with the right level of stretch and intellectual/creative/physical effort being shown.

7. Self-evaluation is at the heart of the new approach. How are we reviewing and adapting what we do in the classroom and beyond and who is responsible for each aspect of provision?

Useful documents: Framework; Handbook; Preparation notes (internal)