JMC were instrumental in our preparation for a recent I.S.I. 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 John and his 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:
- Designing an Ofsted Ready Curriculum Intent for your school
- How to prepare for an Ofsted Deep Dive
- Ofsted Outstanding Implementation of Teaching and learning
- How to achieve Ofsted Outstanding in an Inspection
- Understanding the ISSRs
- Compliance Briefings and mentoring for key staff
- Safeguarding Updates e.g. KCSIE, Peer to Peer Sexual Harassment
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 by visiting and carrying out a ‘mock inspection’ – for more details 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 2023?
JMC provide comprehensive mock inspections, each of our teams are led by an experienced Reporting Inspector.
We are running an ISI Inspection Framework Conference in September 2023
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.
“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 |
ISI Inspection Methodology for September 2023ISI have published their new inspection framework and handbook for inspection from September 2023. The documents remain in draft form during the summer term as ISI conclude their pilot programme…. 
INSET: Using Data to Improve Standards & ProgressAll 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… 
ISI INSET: Documentation for ISI InspectionsAn 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… 
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… 
Boarding School Audit for Independent SchoolsVery 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… 
Mock Inspections for Non Association Independent Schools25% 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… 
Safeguarding INSET: KCSIE Compliance 2023This expert-led KCSIE webinar is available for schools to book for their leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour interactive Zoom session. This webinar is appropriate for all… 
How to Prepare for an Ofsted Deep DiveThe 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… 
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… 
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… 
INSET: Apprenticeship & Adult Skills Deep DivesThe 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… 
School Governance ReviewJMC can conduct a School Governance Review (virtually via Zoom or in person) The School Governance Review will examine the governance structure, operations and performance across the board. Our Governance… 
INSET: ISI Lesson Observation and the ISSRsExtremely 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… 
INSET : Curriculum Design: Intent, Implementation & ImpactThis 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… 
INSET: Conducting a Meaningful Work ScrutinyDo you feel confident in the skills of conducting a work scrutiny? Do you know how to use book scrutiny to help other teachers improvement their practice? Do you understand… 
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… 
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… 
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… 
INSET : ISI Excellent Pupil Outcomes for All studentsImpressed by both the content and the delivery Joe Thackway, Head, Crescent School Improving Pupil Outcomes across the school The quality of education in a school is judged by the… 
Middle leaders INSET: Meaningful Lesson ObservationsStrategies for Lesson observations, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and student progress Do your middle leaders feel confident in the skills of lesson observation? Can you feedback to colleagues… 
INSET: Boarding School Staff CPD for ISI /BSO InspectionFor 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… 
Inspection INSET: ISSR Compliance for GovernorsAn 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… 
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… 
Mock Ofsted 90 minute Educationally Focussed ConversationMock 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… 
Ofsted INSET : Preparing for an English Deep Dive“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, Head of English, KLB School The Ofsted Ready English Department: Preparing for a Deep… 
Mock Inspection for Independent SchoolsThe 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… 
INSET: Achieving Excellence in Pupil Personal DevelopmentThank 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… 
INSET : Metacognitive Feedback to Improve Pupil ProgressThanks 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… 
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… 
ISI INSET : Securing Excellence in ISI EQIAll of us found it a very useful ‘dress rehearsal’ for the real thing! Piers Heyworth, Headmaster Manor Prep Getting to grips with the EQI focus on Outcomes for Pupils… 
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 &… 
Compliance & Safeguarding Training WebinarsOur 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… 
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 Do you apply the full range… 
Mock Ofsted Inspections for Schools, MATs & AcademiesDuring 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…
INSET : Marking & Feedback – Evidencing for InspectionWith 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. 
Independent Schools Standards ‘not met’ – Support for SchoolsWe 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… 
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…
INSET: ISI Personal Development – building resilience, self-confidence & independenceWhat 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… 
INSET: Conducting a school self-review for OfstedWhy 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… 
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… 
EYFS INSET : Achieving Outstanding Early Years ProvisionVery 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… 
Covid Compliance: Is your MAT , Academy or School Covid Compliant?As schools across the UK open for all students for the new school year, teaching professionals need guidance on how best to support and protect children and young people. Will… 
Early Years Settings & Nursery Mock InspectionsFrom 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… 
Ofsted INSET: Outstanding Implementation of T&L“Lots of new ideas to try out and great discussions ” #alwayslearning Highcliffe School Learning & Teaching Steering Group ( via Twitter) Will your school achieve or maintain Outstanding in… 
ISI Inspection Training for Independent SchoolsWe 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: ISI Inspection – Understanding the ISSRsWe 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…. 
State Boarding School Audit: Academies, Free SchoolsIs your State Boarding school fully compliant ? How do you know? Where is your evidence and is it easily accessible? Are you confident of meeting all NMS for boarding… 
Ofsted INSET : Deep Dive Marking & Feedback“Has really helped me confirm how I need to address the marking policy” Katherine Hyland, Assistant Head, St Anne’s Catholic School for Girls Ofsted 2020 : Greater focus on teacher… 
INSET : ISI Excellent Marking & FeedbackWith 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.
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… |