Gary Gannon
Ceist:432. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the role of the school inspectorate in view of the fact that formal inspections have paused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23853/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 September 2020
Ceisteanna (432)
Freagraí scríofa
Consistent with its remit, the Inspectorate is engaging in advisory, evaluation and research work to support schools and the education system as the return to school takes place, and it has adjusted its programme of work in the school year 2020/21 accordingly. A key focus for the Inspectorate during the first term is on advising and supporting schools as they re-open and students settle back into the routine of schooling. Schools are being offered an opportunity to participate in Inspectorate-led advisory sessions (online and face-to-face) focusing on student well-being, teaching and learning, and assessment and the promotion of school self-evaluation. There will also be a strong emphasis on the needs of vulnerable learners during these advisory sessions.
Evaluation work for the first term will focus on a small number of priority inspections including the completion of inspections commenced prior to school closure and risk-based inspections such as child protection and safeguarding inspections and urgent follow through inspections. Furthermore, the Inspectorate will carry out a programme of visits to schools to provide advice and support in the implementation of public health advice and the Department’s Covid-19 Response Plans for schools. As well as supporting school communities, these visits will also provide an assurance to the Department and public that schools are a safe working and learning environment for teachers, other school staff and for learners.
The Inspectorate will also engage in research work to identify and disseminate effective practice and will conduct regular surveys of stakeholders in schools, the outcomes of which will inform the provision of supports and any necessary additional guidance to schools.
The specific activities included in the Inspectorate’s work programme will be kept under review and will evolve in line with public health advice and the prevailing health circumstances. Further information on the Inspectorate’s work for the 2020/21 school year is available in Circulars 0040/2020, 0041/2020 and 0042/2020 on the Department of Skills website at www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars.