ATL

Wales

ATL Cymru's director, Dr Philip Dixon, on Estyn's proposals for the new inspection framework

Earlier this year Estyn unveiled its proposals for the new inspection framework. It's obvious it has been listening to union concerns and expert advice. The consultation has seven main proposals: more proportionate inspections; a streamlined framework of indicators and grades; greater emphasis on the user; expansion of HMI-led inspection teams with strong 'peer-inspector' involvement; more emphasis on building capacity for self-evaluation; clearer, more accessible reports; and a shorter notice period.

While there are some proposals, such as greater student and parent involvement, and an inspection of 'well-being' as well as academic performance, which we will want to see more detail about, overall the proposed framework looks more constructive than its much-derided predecessor. Inspections could become part of the process whereby schools and colleges are helped to review and improve their performance, to become an opportunity to reflect with a critical friend rather than face censure from an irresponsible outsider.

Inspections have long been the bane of working life for teachers, heads and support staff in schools and colleges. All too often the inspection has added little or nothing to the experience of learning and teaching. ATL Cymru knows that practitioners' voices are the most important in any debate and that is why you will have received an email survey from us about these proposals.

We would like to collect your views by the end of March 2009. Please respond to it using our online survey if you haven't already done so.