Inspection, Self-Evaluation and Improvement in Primary and Post-Primary Schools

Abstract

Over the past several years, the Inspectorate has published a range of materials to help encourage and support schools to become more self-evaluative. In response to the commitment given to the NIPAC, and as part of its own commitment to continuous improvement, the Inspectorate undertook a survey of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the materials, and of the inspection approaches, in helping to foster a culture of self-evaluation in schools leading to self-improvement. In order to gather evidence for the survey, the Inspectorate invited the involvement of 12 schools (two primary and ten post-primary). During each visit the Inspectorate discussed with the principal, and some members of staff nominated by the school, the conduct and outcomes of the inspection in which they had been involved.