25% of Non Association Independent Schools inspected between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 failed to meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards

Ofsted – Non-association independent schools inspections and outcomes in England, 2020

Supporting Non Association Independent Schools/ Independent Special Schools and Alternative Provision with Ofsted

JMC provided for Ampleforth a very thorough and professional insight into Ofsted graded non association independent school inspections and also a very useful review of our SLT appraisal process. I can thoroughly recommend JMC for their expertise and objectivity.

Robin Dyer, Headmaster, Ampleforth College

There are over 1,100 non-association schools, which fall into two categories: independent special schools (45%) and other independent schools (55%). Ofsted inspects both these types of school and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspects the schools that are members of an association.

All independent schools must meet all the paragraphs of the Independent School Standards (ISSRs) in order to maintain their registration. The DfE is very clear and unambiguous about this requirement. ISSR compliance is integral to getting a positive inspection outcome.

JMC are specialists in supporting non association independent schools and independent special schools and Alternative provision ( AP) with unrivalled knowledge and experience inspecting against the current Ofsted framework and the ISSRs. We support schools through our in-school training, expert-led compliance & safeguarding webinars, school improvement reviews, audits and mock inspections.

Under the current Ofsted inspection framework, failing to meet the standards almost guarantees an “inadequate” inspection judgment.

If your Non -Association Independent school has been judged as ‘inadequate’ or is in special measures please see our additional services

Has your independent school or Alternative Provision already been visited by Ofsted & placed into a category such as serious weaknesses or special measures?

We can support you in putting together an action plan / submission to the DfE, as well as carrying out an external review or monitoring visit . Find out more here

JMC Post Ofsted Support Team

Mock Inspections for Non Association Independent Schools

All non-association independent schools will have a ‘standard inspection’ every 3 years. Standard inspections are carried out using the current Ofsted education inspection framework (EIF) and the Independent School Standards. We have a unique understanding of both of these frameworks and their application to schools.

Many schools choose to combine whole school inspection training with an Ofsted mock inspection.

We have a range of packages which our office team would be happy to discuss with you.

JMC Inspection Team

Ofsted Inspection Training

Our inspection teams aim to leave your school or AP site having helped you unpick the current Ofsted inspection framework and given your teaching & administration teams more confidence and reassurance in readiness for when the inspector calls.

We provide easy to access online expert led compliance webinars and updates for school staff and Governors or trustees.

The focus of our courses can be adapted to your needs so please browse the current courses in the list below and let us know your priorities for us to tailor the course to best prepare you for your inspection visit.

Non Association Independent School Inspection Training

Training could focus on areas such as:

I am buzzing with ideas, clear, concise and helpful

Hannah Pomroy, Deputy Head, Ampleforth College

enquiries@jmcinset.com

Ofsted Deep Dive Training

We offer Ofsted Deep Dive training for HODs or the SLT as well as subject & phase specific training:

Compliance Training for Schools

We can offer the following or tailor a bespoke package to meet your school’s needs: 

Understanding the ISSRs in Non Association Independent schools

Training for staff who complete the SCR and recruitment processes

  • Break down of all pre-employment checks, why and how to carry them out.
  • Each session tailored to participants needs.
  • Increased ability to respond the complex requirements when completing processes.
  • Boosts confidence and understanding.

Safeguarding for School Proprietors, Trustees & Governors

Training on how to carry out internal audits of the SCR

  • There can be great benefits to the Safeguarding Governors or Trustee carrying out an internal audit of the SCR. In order for a robust audit to take place, in depth training is offered to support the governor with this process.
  • Training on how to carry out robust internal audits of the SCR.
  • Demonstrations on how to delve further into processes to ensure statutory requirements are met.
  • Appreciation to challenge evidence presented.
  • Participants will leave with a greater awareness of the legislation that governs recruitment and the SCR.

School Compliance Briefing sessions

  • Annual briefing sessions to non- association schools updating on changes to statutory requirements from the DfE or Home Office, along with elements of best practice gained from schools audits. 

Please browse the course details below and get in touch to find out what makes us different and we can begin to create a truly bespoke solution for your school.

enquiries@jmcinset.com

Whole school and Lead team INSET on preparing for Ofsted inspection

Lesson observations

Middle leaders INSET: Meaningful Lesson Observations

Strategies for Lesson observations, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and student progress Making Lesson Observations Beneficial Teacher appraisal and capability place effective and accurate observations of teaching and learning…

6 comments
ISSR

ISI INSET: ISI Inspection – Understanding the ISSRs

We contacted JMC with regards to organising some bespoke training around ISI inspections, ISSRs, and the format of regulatory compliance inspections and were very impressed with the service they provided….

INSET : New Standards for Accredited BSO Schools

Thank you very much it has been such a useful day, I have so many ideas to take away from the day! Lynne Reynolds, Head of Social Science , Bosworth…

F23 ISI

Preparing for F23 ISI Inspections March 2024 Conference

** This event has now taken place contact us to book any of these training sessions in your school ** F23 ISI Inspection Conference : Friday 1st March 2024 ,…

Non association Independent schools

Mock Inspections for Non Association Independent Schools

25% of Non Association Independent Schools inspected between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 failed to meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards Ofsted – Non-association independent schools…

SEND Provision

INSET: Preparing your SEND Provision for Ofsted Excellence

“This session presented a broad spectrum of useful and thought-provoking content that has significantly impacted my approach to SEND leadership. It was packed with relevant information aimed at not just…

MAT reviews

Trust wide MAT reviews and quality assurance

JMC’s expertise in MAT reviews, deep dives, data analysis and subject leader development has been crucial in driving our success.                                                                                                                                        Trust Primary Director MAT reviews Increasingly MATs are…

Governing body

INSET: Governing Body Training for ISI Inspection

If you are a Proprietor or part of the Governing body of an Independent School in England you will have responsibilities to ensure that your school is adhering to the…

Ofsted observations

Ofsted Training : The Ofsted Ready School

“Inspiring and knowledgeable” Claire Vickery, Head of DT, Buckler’s Mead Academy Ofsted has moved away from headline data to look instead at how schools are achieving these results, and whether…

Boarding school Audit

INSET: ISI Personal Development – building resilience, self-confidence & independence

What are inspectors looking for in ISI personal development? The current ISI inspection framework places a significant emphasis on pupils personal development and how the school and its curriculum contributes…

Independent school inspection

Insight: Getting Ready for Independent School Inspection with ISI

Preparing for an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection can be a challenging yet crucial task for school leaders. Ensuring that your school meets the high standards expected during these inspections…

Humanities deep dive

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for a Humanities Deep Dive

“Outstanding – extremely helpful & has built my confidence” Miranda Rawlinson, Head of History, Pate’s Grammar School The Ofsted Ready Humanities Department: Preparing for a Deep Dive The current Ofsted…

Independent school Governors

Why international schools go for BSO Accreditation

BSO Accreditation can provide several benefits, both for the schools themselves and for their pupils. In 2022, ISC Research data recorded a total of 13,180 English-Medium international schools around the…

ISSR

Inspection INSET: ISSR Compliance for Governors

An Outstanding Session on ISSR Compliance Jacqueline Jenkins, Chair of the Advisory Board and School Inspector, Merton Court School Are you expecting an inspection from ISI or Ofsted? Both these…

Boarding school Audit

INSET: Boarding School Staff CPD for ISI /BSO Inspection

For Boarding Schools , what really matters to ISI within an inspection is whether or the school meets with all the ISSRs & the regulations by which they are bound…

Independent School Standards

Independent Schools Standards ‘not met’ – Support for Schools

We maintain the strictest levels of confidentially throughout all our consultancy projects with schools & colleges especially concerning those that have not met the Independent School Standards, as judged by…

maths deep dive

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for a Maths Deep Dive

“Thank you, you made everything seem less scary” Richard Stubbs, Head of Maths, Abbey Park School The Ofsted Ready Maths Department: Preparing for a Deep Dive The current Ofsted framework…

Knowledge Rich Curriculum

INSET: Developing a Knowledge Rich Curriculum in Science

“Really engaging tutor who clearly knew his stuff” Sadia Mirza, HOD, Dr Challoners High School Please follow and like us:

work scrutiny

INSET : Marking & Feedback – Evidencing for Inspection

With the recent changes to the ISI framework it is essential that teachers and leaders get to grips with the new criteria. This course also presents practical ways to mark smarter and how the research shows that improving marking and feedback is the number one way of adding value to pupil progression and attainment.

3 comments
strong curriculum

INSET : Achieving an Ofsted Strong Curriculum & Teaching

“A really helpful session covering all areas of the Ofsted framework. The suggested questions are really useful” Laura Creswick , Assistant Head , Teaching & Learning, Nailsea School Do you…

12 comments
Mock Ofsted

Mock Ofsted Inspections for Schools, MATs & Academies

During the mock Ofsted, JMC quickly assessed what our primary needs were and responded immediately.  We feel much better equipped for the task ahead. Judy Packham, Director, Springboard Education Mock…

Safeguarding Audit

Safeguarding Audit : Academies, Schools & FE Colleges

Very useful practical tips and information. Immediate take home actions. Abingdon School MAT, Academy & School Safeguarding Audits Understanding your duties and responsibilities, and developing and embedding good safeguarding practice,…

ISI inspection Framework

INSET : Key Staff Preparation for the F23 ISI Inspection Framework

We all found the ISI Inspection Framework day incredibly useful, and we have plenty of actions to undertake! Sophie Toland, Senior Deputy, St. Mary’s Calne Getting to grips with the…

9 comments
Boarding school Audit

INSET: Safe & Fully Compliant Boarding Schools

• Are Boarding schools fully compliant ?• How do you know?• Where is your evidence and is it easily accessible?• Will you satisfy the SCCIF (Maintained Schools) or are confident…

curriculum design

INSET : Curriculum Design: Intent, Implementation & Impact

This INSET cuts through the complexity of the issues and highlights common themes to support successful curriculum design” Tim Jones, Deputy Head, Knowle Park Primary School Curriculum Design With a…

F23 ISI

F23 Conference: The New ISI Inspection Framework 2023

“The changes proposed represent an evolution of how we currently inspect schools. They build on the strengths of our current framework and consider the significant changes across education and wider society over…

EYFS

EYFS INSET : Achieving Outstanding Early Years Provision

Very informative, lots of thought provoking ideas Tanya Cross,  Assistant Head, Inglehurst Junior School Do you know what outstanding looks like in EYFS? Are you able to evidence it in…

1 comment
Reading Deep Dive

INSET : Preparing for a Literacy & Reading Deep Dive

“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, Head of English, KLB School Preparing for a Literacy or Reading Deep Dive The…

Ofsted Deep dive

Ofsted INSET: Preparing Subject Leaders for a Deep Dive

“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, HOD English, KLB School The Ofsted Ready Department: Preparing for a Deep Dive The…

Compliance audit

Compliance Audit : Schools Academies & FE Colleges

“Very impressed indeed with the meticulous nature of the compliance audit, the quality of feedback and manner in which it was delivered.” Jonny Timms, Headmaster, Walhampton School MAT, Academy &…

NMS

Boarding School Audit for Independent Schools

Very useful practical tips and information. Immediate take home actions. Abingdon School Independent Boarding School Audit Educational institutions must meet and observe a wide variety of guidelines and regulations set…

DEI

INSET: Ofsted Personal Development – building resilience, confidence & independence

What are inspectors looking for in Ofsted personal development? The current Ofsted inspection framework now places a much greater emphasis on pupils personal development and how the school and its…

Science Deep Dive

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for a Science Deep Dive

“Absolutely brilliant, I feel so much more informed and energised” Katherine Letts, Director of Science ( Core Leadership Group) , St Laurence School Ofsted Ready Science Teaching : Preparing for…

permanent exclusions

ISI INSET: Documentation for ISI Inspections

An ideal combination to deal with the challenge of ISI inspections.  Mr J Whybrow, Headmaster, Amesbury School INSET aims: This course is aimed at school leaders in independent schools inspected…

ISI INSET : Improving Pupils’ Quality of Education

Impressed by both the content and the delivery Joe Thackway, Head, Crescent School Improving pupils’ quality of education across the school The quality of education in a school is judged…

2 comments
Compliance

ISI INSET : Regulatory Compliance for Independent Schools

Really useful ideas to move us forward and help with evidence of compliance for inspection! Emma Beer, Deputy Head, Teaching & learning, Lady Barn House School Regulatory Compliance Compliance: There…

10 comments
school self review

Inspection INSET: Single Central Register (SCR) for the Bewildered

“Expert advice and guidance delivered in a skilled and professional manner ” Mr W Sawyer, Head of Prep School, Yarm School This is an introductory course aimed at senior leaders…

Educationally focussed conversation

Mock Ofsted 90 minute Educationally Focussed Conversation

Mock Ofsted Pre-Inspection Phone call between the Head & the Lead Inspector The purpose of this service is to support headteachers in preparing for the 90 minute educationally focussed telephone…

Apprenticeships

INSET: Apprenticeship & Adult Skills Deep Dives

The Ofsted Ready Apprenticeship Programme: Preparing for a Deep Dive In April 2021 Ofsted became responsible for the inspection of apprenticeship provision at all levels. This was recommended in the Review…

methodology

F23 ISI Inspection Methodology for 2024

The new ISI Inspection Framework is now in effect, known as Framework 23 (F23), there is a strong emphasis on promoting pupil wellbeing and some significant changes to inspection methodology….

Personal Development

INSET: Achieving Excellence in Pupil Personal Development

Thank you very much for a very informative and useful session Katherine Beith, Director of Studies, Alleyn’s Junior School How would you rate your pupil’s personal development? How do you…

Mock inspections

Mock Inspection for Independent Schools

The whole mock inspection process was professional, well delivered and extremely valuable to us. It validated where we are and provided concrete next steps forward. Myself and the senior team…

PDA

Compliance & Safeguarding Training Webinars

Our expert-led webinars are available for schools to book for their leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour tailored and interactive Zoom sessions which would be suitable for…

ISI Lesson Observations

INSET: ISI Lesson Observations, Learning walks and the ISSRs

Extremely valuable – thank you ! Jane Bond , Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral and Operational), Rokeby School Strategies for ISI Lesson observation, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and pupil progress…

1 comment
sixth form

Post 16 INSET: 6th Form Ofsted Deep Dives

“Thank you, you made everything seem less scary” Richard Stubbs, Head of Maths, Abbey Park School The Ofsted Ready 6th Form: Preparing for a Deep Dive Are you deep-diving into…

Marking & Feedback

ISI INSET : A Consistent Approach to Marking & Feedback

With the recent changes to the ISI framework it is essential that teachers and leaders get to grips with the new criteria. This course also presents practical ways to mark smarter and how the research shows that improving marking and feedback is the number one way of adding value to pupil progression and attainment.

2 comments
school self review

INSET: Conducting a school self-review for Ofsted

Why carry out a School Self review? Many schools use a range of self-review activities to find out what is working, or not, in their schools. Sometimes these are overly…

School Inspection Training

MAT, Academy & School Inspection Training

“A really helpful session covering all areas of the Ofsted framework. The suggested questions are really useful” Laura Creswick , Assistant Head , Teaching & Learning, Nailsea School School Staff…

curriculum

Middle leaders INSET : Effective Curriculum Monitoring & Evaluation

“The feedback from the middle leaders and SLT was overwhelmingly positive, they loved being able to share ideas and raise their concerns” Svetlana Bajic-Raymond, Deputy Head, Cotham School Are you…

0 comments
6th form

Post 16 INSET : Outstanding Learning & Progress in 6th Form

“Feedback has been extremely positive about last night’s training – ‘One colleague even described it as “life changing”. Andy Backwell, Head of 6th Form, Malmesbury School Some teachers find teaching…

0 comments
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