This specialist training equips middle leaders with the regulatory understanding, strategic clarity, and practical tools required to lead their areas with confidence under the current ISI inspection framework.  

Who is it for?

This course is tailored for Heads of Department, subject leaders, curriculum coordinators, and middle leaders working in independent schools inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). It is suitable for academic and pastoral leaders across all phases, including those in HMC, GSA, IAPS, ISA, Society of Heads, and AGBIS member schools.

Key Questions Addressed for Middle Leaders

  • What are the expectations for departmental leadership under the revised ISI framework?
  • How can subject and pastoral leaders demonstrate the impact of their work?
  • What evidence should be prepared in advance of inspection, and how should it be presented?
  • How can departmental policies, practices, and curriculum delivery align with wider school compliance?

Course Outcomes for Middle leaders

By the end of the training, participants will:

  • Understand their inspection responsibilities under the current ISI framework
  • Be equipped to present departmental strengths and impact with clarity and confidence
  • Know how to prepare effective evidence for inspection across all regulatory areas
  • Be ready to work collaboratively with SLT in supporting inspection readiness and ongoing school improvement.

INSET Outline

Understanding Compliance for Middle leaders

Participants will examine how departmental responsibilities contribute to overall school compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations (ISSRs), the National Minimum Standards (NMS) where applicable, and the EYFS statutory requirements. Guidance is provided on areas including curriculum intent and implementation, safeguarding, policy alignment, and leadership accountability.

Preparing and Presenting Evidence to ISI

This session provides a clear structure for preparing departmental evidence for inspection. It includes curriculum mapping, assessment strategies, lesson observation readiness, book scrutiny preparation, and how to articulate departmental strengths, challenges, and impact with precision.

Common Areas of Non-Compliance

Leaders will be guided through typical areas of departmental weakness highlighted during inspections, such as inconsistent curriculum delivery, limited assessment analysis, or ineffective provision for diverse learners. The session offers strategies to identify and address these issues proactively.

Strategic Departmental Leadership

We will explore how effective middle leadership contributes to school-wide improvement. Focus areas include using data to inform planning, securing high-quality provision for all learners, evaluating departmental effectiveness, and contributing to the school’s self-evaluation and development planning.

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com


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