School inspections are changing: the views of children and young people
Overview
An introduction from His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education
What is a consultation?
A consultation is when people ask for your ideas and opinions before making decisions. It's a way for you to have your say and help shape what happens in the future.
As part of this consultation, you are about to complete an online questionnaire so we can understand what you think about school inspections.
School inspectors are thinking about making changes to the way schools are inspected. Your answers will help them with these changes.
What is a school inspection?
An inspection is when people visit a school to see how things are going and how they can be even better. In Scotland, school inspections are carried out by HM Inspectors (school inspectors).
Watch this video to get an idea of what happens during a school inspection at the moment.
Background information
There is some extra background information explaining why this consultation on school inspections is taking place just now. You may wish to read it, but you don't need to in order to answer the questions. A shorter version of this information with images is also available.
A version for parents, teachers, and the public
We're using a slightly different consultation questionnaire for parents and carers, teachers, and other members of the public. The questions are similar to those in this questionnaire but include a bit more detail. If you are a secondary-aged young person, you may prefer to complete this version. This link will take you to it: Wider public
If you do complete the version of the questionnaire for parents and carers, teachers, and the public, please remember to select ‘Child or young person’ in the ‘About You’ section at the end.
Languages and other help
If you can’t fill in the questionnaire but still want to share what you think, that’s okay. You can share your answers in a different way and send them to us by email. Please remember to attach the ‘About You’ form at the bottom of this page when you do.
At the very bottom of this page, you can find the questions for this consultation in English and Gaelic, if you need them.
If you need the questions in another language, or need some extra help to take part, you can contact us.
A quick look at what you are being asked about
Below, you will see the consultation sections written out for you. To start answering the questions, just click ‘Begin questionnaire’ at the bottom of this page.
Section 1 What do inspectors look at when they inspect schools?
Section 2 People who are involved in school inspection
Section 3 How often schools are inspected
Section 4 When schools are told inspectors are coming
Section 5 Information before an inspection takes place
Section 6 How inspectors describe how well a school is doing
Section 7 How children and young people find out what inspectors said
Section 8 Follow-up inspections and support
Section 9 About you
Useful information about responding to this consultation
Saving your answers
At the bottom of each page, there is a button that says ‘save and come back later’.
This lets you save your answers and return to them before the consultation closes.
If you leave without saving, your answers will be lost.
Getting a copy of your answers
When you finish and send your answers, you can type in your email address.
We will then send you a copy of your answers.
Why your views matter
Under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), you have the right to share your views about things that affect you – and for adults to take those views seriously.
We want to hear from you because no one understands what school is like better than you do. Your ideas and experiences are very important. They help inspectors see what is working well and what needs to change.
By sharing what you think, you can make a real difference. Your views can help make schools better – not just for you, but for other children and young people in the future.
Give us your views
Interests
- Children and Families
- Education
- Main hub
Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook