JMC were instrumental in our preparation for a recent ISI inspection and were a source of great encouragement and guidance. Very evident in the report, where the highest possible judgements were obtained, was observed evidence of this input from the JMC inspection team.

Mike Rees, Headmaster, St. Michael’s Preparatory School

Inspection is so often a cause of undue anxiety, unneeded unrest and untenable rumour. There’s a million ways to start flustering yourself when Ofsted or ISI come knocking. At JMC we believe the best way to face an inspection process is informed, prepared and with confidence. It’s a case of breathe, relax, and take our advice , based on many years of experience. You can aid the inspector in seeing that practice in your school is what it should be and in many areas, much more. Our mentoring , training courses & mock inspections are here to help you achieve just this.

Pre- Inspection Mentoring

With our detailed and current knowledge of the inspectorates priorities, approaches and requirements we can help you focus on what matters and what needs to be done to get the best from the inspection process. One of our inspection team can work with your staff for a day in a mentoring role supporting your preparation in key areas such as compliance, safeguarding, SEF preparation etc

Pre- Inspection Training

Our in house trainers aim to leave your school having helped you unpick the inspectorates frames of reference and given your teaching teams more confidence and reassurance in readiness for when the inspector calls.

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.

Training could focus on areas such as:

Mock Inspections

Many Senior leaders, Governors or School Proprietors are looking to ensure the highest outcomes in their inspections and ask JMC the support the school college or other educational provider by visiting and carrying out a ‘mock inspection’

Which Educational Providers do we support?

For more details of our mock inspections for ISI inspected Independent Schools click here

For Ofsted inspected Independent schools click here

For Ofsted inspected Maintained schools , Academies & MATs click here

For Ofsted inspected GFE Colleges, HE & Adult Education click here

For Ofsted inspected Apprenticeship & work place providers click here

Our team continue to act as mentors or critical friends in these inspections helping your staff identify and issues and suggesting solutions.

Is your school due an ISI Inspection in 2024?

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

Find out more here

We are running an ISI Inspection Framework Conference in March 2024

Find out more here

JMC Inspection Team

External Self Evaluation (ExSEF)

Would you like our inspection team to visit and then help you complete your SEF? Our ExSEF service casts a critical eye on your self evaluation with the framework in mind , suggesting ways to evidence standards and improve outcomes.

Has your school, academy or PRU 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

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

enquiries@jmcinset.com

“JMC provided bespoke training for us. It was well researched, up to date and delivered with real enthusiasm. I have no hesitation in recommending this company to other schools”.

Michele Jones Deputy Head, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School

Whole school and Lead team INSET for preparing for inspection

Great Teaching

INSET : Consistently Great Teaching & Learning for ISI

Dispelling misconceptions, clarifying the criteria and sharing the theory and research behind the ISI approach. This course sets out what ISI defined excellent teaching looks like and how it can be identified and strengthened throughout the school.

2 comments
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…

school self review

Safeguarding INSET: Single Central Record (SCR) Compliance

“Expert advice and guidance delivered in a skilled and professional manner ” Mr W Sawyer, Head of Prep School, Yarm School The Single Central Record (SCR) is a key element…

School self evaluation

INSET: Creating a school self-evaluation and SEF for ISI

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

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…

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…

ISI Inspection

Opinion: The ISI Inspection Myth Buster!

What is involved in an ISI Inspection ? There are many changes to the inspection framework from September 2023. The most significant is that ISI will NOT give an overall…

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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…

ISI Inspection

ISI Inspection Training for Independent Schools

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

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…

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Data

INSET: Using Data to Improve Standards & Progress

All schools use huge amounts of data to support them in the work they do. Information on pupil attainment and progress is the most complex part of this, but data…

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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…

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,…

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…

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…

NMS

INSET: Boarding Compliance – National Minimum Standards

This expert-led NMS webinar is available for UK schools and Accredited BSO schools to book for their boarding leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour interactive Zoom session….

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
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
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
Safeguarding conference

Inspection of Safeguarding Conference 2024

Join us for this one day online safeguarding conference to help you prepare your school for the inspection of safeguarding provision and to ensure that you are able to demonstrate…

SLT INSET: Enabling Collective Teacher Efficacy (CTE)

When everyone in a school believes that together they can make a difference, the impact on student attainment can be almost quadrupled Rachel Eells, 2011 An Effect size greater than…

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….

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…

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 • Do you know what the changes that Ofsted are proposing?• How articulate are you…

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 ,…

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…

8 comments
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…

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 &…

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 Improvement review

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

methodology

F23 ISI Inspection Methodology for 2023/24

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….

Special measures

Ofsted Special Measures Support for Schools

We maintain the strictest levels of confidentially throughout all our consultancy projects with schools & colleges especially concerning those judged as Ofsted inadequate or in Special Measures. Testimonials or references…

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…

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…

Quality of education

Ofsted INSET : Quality of Education

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

10 comments
good teacher

INSET : Improving Pupil Progress & Attainment at KS3 & KS4

‘very informative’  Sarah Williams, Principal, Immanuel School A practical guide on high impact teaching strategies for improving pupil progress in KS3 & KS4 students Ofsted has regularly condemned the quality…

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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
ISI BSO

BSO INSET : Exemplary Practice in BSO Education Quality

This will really get us thinking about the BSO Inspection and effective classroom practice William Shuttleworth, Director of Teaching & Learning, The Banda, IAPS Prep School, Nairobi, Kenya New BSO…

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
Ofsted Deep Dive

How to Prepare for an Ofsted Deep Dive

The new Ofsted framework really gives more time for Ofsted inspectors to look at lines of enquiry and subjects in some depth: the now-famous Jacques Cousteau ‘deep dive’. This should…

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…

early years settings

Early Years Settings & Nursery Mock Inspections

From the very start JMC were professional and exceptionally friendly. The staff all commented how at ease they made them feel, while also being thorough. I will always be a…

Safeguarding training

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…

metacognitive feedback

INSET : Metacognitive Feedback to Improve Pupil Progress

Thanks for a fantastic INSET on Metacognition – Really looking forward to using the strategies in our lessons in the next few weeks The Marist School Sports Department ( via…

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…