Self Evaluation

Self evaluation is a key feature of effective organisations. Schools need to evaluate their own performance, and have a understanding both of their strengths and areas for development. It is still an Ofsted expectation that schools will undertake the process of self evaluation, though access to the SEF website was withdrawn in July 2011 (see below for the original SEF template).

• Read an HMI’s responses to questions about self evaluation (late 2011) from an NCSL q&a session.

This is some advice from SSAT (Dec 2011):

“The key point from HMI who have spoken at the (2011 autumn term’s) conferences has been that schools should ideally provide no more than 12 summary pages on the existing picture. The key checklist for self-evaluation is:

• Is it accurate?
• Is it precise?
• Is it concise?
• Does it show the impact that the school has had on the outcomes of its pupils?
• Does it show what the next steps are for the school to move on the outcomes and life chances of its pupils?

 Before the inspection team arrives at a school, the self evaluation document should provide a strong picture of what they will see and once in situ, it will be checked for accuracy and be a key piece of evidence used in forming the leadership and management judgement.”

Various frameworks for self evaluation are available, and the following links may be useful as a starting point if your school intends to move away from the SEF model, or is prepared to pay for outside resources.

• Guidance from Ofsted to its inspectors on self evaluation (Sept 2011) .
• You-tube video on a purchasable School Self Evaluation Tracker System
• Evaluating Teaching and Learning - some very useful guidance for teachers on responding to Ofsted questions about classroom practice.
• Governing Body self evaluation toolkit (GB self-review tool ) based on one from Ealing Governance Unit, who have also produced a presentation pdf and other resources) To assist Governing Bodies evaluate their practice and performance, they have developed the effective GB self review tool. The aim of this comprehensive tool is to assist GBs to: decide on how well they are organised, exercise their powers and duties, identify gaps in practice/performance that require action, and identify development needs and to plan future training. It covers all the essential work an outstanding GB undertakes.
• NCSL Self evaluation models (2005)
• Becta ICT Self Review (2007 and archived)
• Hampshire LA Resources
• Norfolk Workshop on Self evaluation
• Book list for self evaluation
• “There’s no escape from self evaluation” – article in TES by Kenny Frederick, Headteacher (June 3rd 2011)
• Tony Thornley, Education Consultant and ex-Ofsted Inspector, is updating his guidance on Self Evaluation. The document is expected to be available from ASCL in return for a donation to charity. (See his letter to TES June 10th 2011 and a podcast on self evaluation)
• Pay to have your SEF “screened” by an external reviewer (£395 – £495 SSAT)
• Other commercial tools for preparing for inspection, and self evaluation: eg Forum Business Media  (£204) , Primary Grid £95 per annum and Perspective from Angel Solutions) Note that these links are provided for information, and that the products are not endorsed by C2G

Schools are no longer expected to complete the Self Evaluation Form (“a non-statutory document which Ofsted expect every school to have ….”) with effect from September 2011 . Access to the SEF ceased on 22nd July 2011. From September, schools being inspected can, if they wish, offer to Ofsted an updated SEF or some other form of self evaluation. (Norfolk Governors discussed in a workshop how self evaluation might be developed)

Ofsted (Tel: 0300 123 4234) Guidance:  “Arrangements regarding the discontinuation of the self-evaluation form website

Ofsted will discontinue the self-evaluation form (SEF) website from 22 July 2011. This is in line with the government’s programme for cost efficiency and reducing bureaucracy. From 22 July, schools will no longer be able to access their school information and self-evaluation form for independent schools (SIEF), or SEF for maintained schools.

Self-evaluation remains an important aspect of a school’s work, which inspectors will continue to consider when making their judgements.

For inspections that take place in autumn term 2011 independent and maintained schools will be able to provide to Ofsted their self-evaluation information in a format of their choice. Schools may present their SIEF or SEF, or any update thereof, if they wish. However, schools will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to do so.

Revised (in September 2011) Ofsted Guidance on self evaluation for inspectors
Look at an example 2010 SEF template for a primary school (blank) pdf – based on previous Ofsted framework.

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