Education and Training Inspectorate to be reviewed by PwC

The Education and Training Inspectorate has announced that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will evaluate their inspection process independently.

It is hoped that PwC will enable a more impartial and independent approach to be taken.

Up until now, educational establishments were invited to comment on various aspects of the Inspectorate’s work prior to, during and post inspection. This information was gathered on an evaluation form, which was then analysed by the members of the management team of the Inspectorate, who addressed any emerging issues.

Chief Inspector Marion Matchett said: “Since the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report was published in 1999, the Inspectorate has, in a number of ways, sought to promote a better understanding, and acceptance of its role, and the Public Accounts Committee Report acknowledged that.

“I am very encouraged that the Public Accounts Committee has welcomed my decision to put in place a system of independent evaluation and I hope that it will also improve people’s confidence in the integrity of the inspection process.”

The Chief Inspector stressed that this process would not replace the normal procedures for comments, enquiries and complaints, she added: "This development will put in place a system in which greater reliance can be placed on the evaluation of the inspection process. However, our established system to deal with any queries or complaints which people might have, will continue.”

PwC will conduct a series of interviews with those who have experienced the inspection process. There will also be interviews with inspectors themselves. On the basis of this information, the evaluation form, currently in use, will be evaluated and revised as appropriate.

PwC will also establish focus groups, made up from principals, teachers and governors in order to augment the information gained about the inspection process, through use of the new evaluation forms.

The findings of the independent evaluation of the inspection process will be published on completion of the contract with PwC. (MB)