Inspection of Catholic Schools

The Inspection Framework sets out the requirements for the inspection of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salford. Inspections are to be set within the Bishop’s responsibilities within Canon Law. This states, “The formation and education in the Catholic Religion provided in any school is subject to the authority of the Church: the diocesan Bishop has the right to watch over and inspect the Catholic schools situated in his territory” (Canons 804, 806 CCL). Responsibility for inspection of religious education, collective worship and the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is also invested in the Bishop through Section 48 of the Education Act 2005.

The revised Framework is now available along with supporting documentation, including a code of conduct for Inspections. The Framework will be used by the Department for all Inspections from January 2011. Schools may choose to use either the new SEF or the old SEF together with the 'Summary of SEF Judgements' sheet during the Spring term 2011.

The Diocese wishes to have an effective inspection system having at least four important outcomes:

1. Good inspections provide the school with a clear independent evaluation of its strengths and the areas in which it needs to improve. This is now focused upon the school’s self-evaluation of its strengths and development needs.
   
2. The diocese obtains valid evidence of the quality of the Catholic life and religious education in its schools.
   
3. Inspection reports provide useful information for parents.
   
4. The school’s response to an inspection leads to better quality Catholic education.
   

Documents

Code of Conduct for Inspections [MS Word]
Guidelines for Inspections
Guide for Inspectors
Guide for Foundation Governors [MS Word]
Schedule for Inspections
Self-Evaluation Form [MS Word]
Inspection Notebook [MS Word]
Inspection Report – Proforma [ MS Word ]
Summary of SEF Judgements [MS Word]