Preparing for ISI inspections- Key insights and practical steps for Independent Schools 

The report provides valuable insights into inspection trends and highlights areas where schools have struggled to meet compliance standards. Notably, compliance rates have dropped from 89.5% in 2023-2024 to 84.4% this year.

Key areas of concern

The annual report identifies two recurring areas of non-compliance:  

1. Pupil welfare and safeguarding
   Schools have failed to consistently implement safeguarding arrangements in line with statutory guidance, particularly around timely recruitment checks and accurate record-keeping for adults working at the school. 
   
   Compliance with The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 and the associated statutory guidance Working together to improve school attendance, has also been a challenge, with some schools falling short in managing and improving pupil attendance.
2. Leadership and management
   Weaknesses in leadership and management have been linked to failures in safeguarding and attendance practices. Schools need to ensure their leaders have a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and are actively addressing compliance gaps.

Practical steps for inspection readiness

To help independent schools prepare for ISI inspections, we’ve identified five key action points from the 2024-2025 annual report and individual inspection findings:

• Attendance 
  Ensure all pupil transitions outside standard transition times are reported to the local authority. 
  
  Use correct national attendance and absence codes and maintain electronic registers in line with statutory guidance. 
  
  Appoint a Senior Attendance Champion, who is named in the Attendance Policy, to oversee attendance strategies and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Safer recruitment 
  Familiarise leadership teams with Part 3 of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 (KCSIE). 
  
  Maintain an accurate Single Central Record (SCR) for all staff, including agency workers and members of the proprietor body.
  
  Ensure all required checks are clearly documented, with dates of completion or certificate obtained.
• Policy publication 
  Designate a staff member to manage the publication of policies required to be available to parents and, where relevant, prospective parents.
• Fire risk assessments and health & safety 
  Regularly review fire risk assessments and ensure school premises meet health and safety standards. Assign a dedicated staff member to oversee these responsibilities.
• Pupil voice 
  Actively seek and act upon pupil feedback to demonstrate your school’s commitment to self-evaluation and fostering a positive school culture. Incorporate pupil input into academic, pastoral, and cultural development strategies.

Additional focus areas

Independent schools should also prioritise compliance in early years provision, boarding, and recommendations from previous inspections. High-quality teaching, social and economic education, and evidence of pupils’ contributions to society remain key inspection considerations. 

By addressing these areas proactively, schools can ensure they are inspection-ready and continue to meet the standards outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and other relevant regulations. 

For tailored advice on ISI regulatory compliance, contact John Deakin.

For support on employment matters, including SCR requirements, contact Richard Hewitt.