ISI Inspection Mentoring for the SENDCo or PSHE Co‑ordinator

“Excellent, the personalised ISI inspection mentoring was probably best CPD I have ever had!

Alex Margerison – Northbridge House School,Cognita Schools

In many independent schools, the SENDCo and PSHE Co‑ordinator carry enormous responsibility for pupils’ wellbeing, personal development and inclusion — yet during ISI inspections their leadership is often under‑recognised internally until the pressure is suddenly on.

Under the current ISI framework, these roles are not just supportive; they are central to demonstrating the school’s quality of provision, its compliance, and its impact on pupil outcomes. Ensuring these leaders feel confident, prepared and inspection‑ready is no longer optional — it is essential.

Our ISI Inspection Mentoring provides targeted, personalised support to SENDCos and PSHE Leads, helping them articulate their contribution clearly and compellingly.

Why These Roles Matter So Much in an ISI Inspection

1. SEND and PSHE evidence underpin multiple ISI judgement areas

SEND provision and PSHE/RSHE sit at the heart of:

• Pupils’ personal development
• Pastoral care and wellbeing
• Safeguarding culture
• Inclusion, equality and reasonable adjustments
• Behaviour and attitudes
• Leadership and management

Inspectors look for coherent systems, thoughtful implementation and clear evidence of impact — all of which flow directly from the SENDCo and PSHE Lead’s work.

2. Inspectors scrutinise how effectively vulnerable learners are supported

SENDCos are key in demonstrating:

• Identification and assessment processes
• Tailored planning
• Progress measures beyond academics
• Therapeutic, pastoral and multi‑agency working

PSHE Leads demonstrate how the school ensures:

• Social, emotional and moral development
• Relationships education
• Online safety
• Wider life readiness

Yet many schools underplay these areas until inspection time, leaving these middle leaders feeling unprepared for the depth of questioning.

3. These roles often hold the most powerful evidence — but the least rehearsal

SENDCos and PSHE Leads frequently produce:

• The richest documentation
• The strongest impact data
• The clearest evidence of whole‑school care

But they are rarely coached in how to present this confidently during an inspection conversation. Our mentoring corrects that.

What the ISI Inspection Mentoring Provides

1. Individualised guidance mapped to ISI expectations

We tailor the support to your job role, focusing on:

• What ISI inspectors expect to see and hear
• Your specific evidence base
• Your narrative of impact

2. Deep Dive rehearsal

We practise the kinds of questions, discussions and evidence routes inspectors typically follow, ensuring you can respond calmly, clearly and authoritatively.

3. Documentation & evidence review

We help evaluate and refine:

• SEND provision maps and case studies
• PSHE schemes of work, implementation evidence and impact measures
• Pastoral/wellbeing tracking
• Alignment with ISI regulatory requirements

4. Leadership confidence development

You’ll learn how to:

• Frame strengths confidently
• Discuss challenges without undermining the provision
• Demonstrate reflection, improvement and strategic awareness

5. Clear next‑step recommendations

You’ll leave with a practical, prioritised action plan to strengthen your inspection position immediately.

Is your school due an ISI Inspection in 2026?

JMC provide comprehensive mock inspections, each of our teams are led by an experienced Reporting Inspector. 

Find out more here

JMC Inspection Team

Who this ISI Inspection Mentoring is for

• SENDCos preparing for an upcoming ISI inspection
• PSHE/RSHE Co‑ordinators wanting role‑specific clarity
• Pastoral and wellbeing leaders wanting to refine their inspection narrative
• Newer leaders unfamiliar with independent‑sector expectations

Why Schools Choose ISI Inspection Mentoring

✔ Highlights the critical contribution of these often‑overlooked roles
✔ Provides tailored, role‑specific preparation — not generic CPD
✔ Builds genuine confidence and clarity ahead of inspection
✔ Ensures your narrative and evidence align perfectly with ISI expectations

Don’t leave inspection readiness to chance

Flexible Booking Options

Our 1:1 ISI mentoring sessions can be booked directly by schools or individually by senior leaders who wish to invest in their own professional development. Many schools choose to schedule sessions as part of their wider inspection preparation, while others encourage staff to book personally for targeted support ahead of key responsibilities.

Whether funded through your school’s CPD budget or arranged privately, the booking process is simple and flexible. Sessions can be scheduled at a time that suits your role, workload and inspection timeline, with all materials and follow‑up guidance included.

Ready to feel fully prepared for your next ISI inspection?

Book your personalised mentoring session today and give your SEND or PSHE leadership the confidence and clarity inspectors expect.

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com