IPPN

Published: 11 November 2021

Incidental inspections continue to primarily focus on the quality of the educational provision experienced by learners in every-day school situations. Incidental inspections take place against the background of the school’s normal work and are typically unannounced one-day inspections.

During the incidental inspection, the inspector will:

• Carry out activities that are typically associated with the incidental inspection i.e. observations of teaching and learning and provision of feedback, support, advice and

• Level 1 Child Protection Monitoring

NOTE: Amended Child Protection template referred to elsewhere in this e-scéal.

From this school year the Inspectorate will, during incidental inspections:

• Collect some information about the implementation of aspects of anti-bullying measures

Following the incidental inspection, the school will receive a short written Note in relation to the anti-bullying areas discussed. This Note will be issued via the Factual Verification (FV) process to the principal and chairperson of the board. Its contents can be used by the school to inform its anti-bullying measures and to take any necessary actions to strengthen these. The minutes of board of management meetings will be reviewed as part of the monitoring of anti-bullying measures during the incidental inspection.

From this year, the inspector will also seek information on:

• The placing of pupils/students on reduced timetables in schools.

• Currently, schools receive advance notice, by telephone, of an incidental inspection in order to ensure that inspectors can comply with schools’ COVID-19 Response Plan for visitors.

During the course of the incidental inspection, school leaders are asked, where possible, to set aside a period of time for discussion between the inspector and principal in respect of the following areas of focus. These include the priorities of the school in relation to creating a positive school culture and climate, safety, creation of an inclusive learning environment for all and the impact of Covid on pupils especially with AEN.

A short webinar has been developed by the Inspectorate to provide information on the monitoring of anti-bullying measures in schools. It can be accessed at the Primary and Post-Primary Anti-Bullying Webinar.

The link to this Webinar was circulated to all schools via Esinet, Circular 0032/2021. Centres for Education also provide information on the areas of focus.