New Procedures - September 2006
Source: InTouch, September 2006
From 1 September new procedures for reviewing inspections will come into place. These allow for teachers affected by an inspection to seek a review of either the professional work of inspectors or the reports they write. As before, reports related to inspections of teachers experiencing professional difficulties (Rule 161 and Rule 162) are excluded. A review may be sought where a teacher believes that:
- an inspector did not make reasonable efforts to carry out his/her duties according to the Inspectorate's Code of Practice;
- an inspector, when conducing an evaluation, did not make reasonable efforts to comply with procedures for conducting the evaluation;
- the written report arising from an inspection did not comply with the principles regarding reporting in the Inspectorate's Code of Practice;
- the Inspectorate did not make reasonable efforts to comply with procedures on the publication of school reports.
Informal Review
The first stage provides for an informal review at school level. A teacher concerned about the work or actions of an inspector, should raise the matter with the inspector informally, as soon as possible. The inspector and the teacher should seek to resolve the matter informally between them. If it is not possible to raise a concern on the day it should be raised on the following school day, either in person or by telephone.
If the concern is not resolved informally at school level the teacher should contact the Assistant Chief Inspector. The Assistant Chief Inspector will attempt to resolve the issue through contact with the teacher and the inspector. Concerns should be raised with the Assistant Chief Inspector no later than five school days from that date the concern arose. The Assistant Chief Inspector will attempt to resolve the matter within five school days. If the teacher who raised the concern remains dissatisfied, s/he will be informed of the possibility of a formal review.
Formal Review
A teacher who remains dissatisfied can request the Chief Inspector to conduct a formal review. This should be submitted on an Inspection Review Request Form within 20 school days of the issue that gave rise to the concern. The grounds on which the review is sought must be stated clearly and any supporting documentation included.
The request for the review will be considered by the Chief Inspector, who may decide to conduct a formal review. A formal review will be conducted by an internal reviewer and external reviewer. The internal reviewer will be an Assistant Chief Inspector unconnected with the inspection and not the line manager of any inspector involved. The external reviewer may be an inspector of schools from another jurisdiction or an educational professional of high standing familiar with school evaluation.
The reviewers will examine documentation, may seek additional information and may interview those involved. Both parties may be accompanied.
The reviewers will provide a report to the Chief Inspector. Following consideration of the report s/he will issue an initial determination to those involved, and invite comments. Following receipt of written comments, the Chief Inspector will make a final determination. Should the teacher or the board remain dissatisfied an appeal may be made to the Ombudsman.
Full details of this procedure will be sent to all schools and will be available on the DES website.