ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the process of inspection rather than the outcomes of implementation. It also focuses on three important aspects: general reactions to inspection; reactions to inspection findings; and reactions to the methods of inspection. The inspections took place between October 1992 and February 1993. Some inspectors' comments indicated their need to know more about other methods of inspection such as the analysis of school documentation and the scrutiny of pupils' work. Formal interviews were held with teaching staff in all inspections as well as more spontaneous talks in the classroom and elsewhere. This more informal approach was the general rule in talking with support staff, pupils, parents and governors. A common belief was that the inspections had given a 'seal of approval' to recent initiatives and a general 'morale boost' for teachers. Headteachers and senior staff tended to feel that reports strengthened their positions and lent weight to existing and proposed developments.
