STEP 2: Complete a written self-evaluation summary (SEF) that carefully analyses key evidence.
Our SEF checklist
Summarising your school self-evaluation can be time consuming. Having the opportunity to work with an experienced inspector can remove uncertainty. Here is a brief check list that our consultants use when evaluating a summary record of school self-evaluation (SEF)
- Are judgements and evaluations in the Summary Record of Self-Evaluation (SEF) clearly expressed and accessible to the reader?
- Is the Summary Record suitably concise and focused on the most important issues facing the school?
- Is the writing evaluative, not descriptive, and are significant strengths and weaknesses clearly and convincingly explained?
- Is the Summary Record internally consistent?
- Are the issues for improvement in the summary explicit, do they focus on the most significant weaknesses, particularly relating to outcomes for pupils, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, and effectiveness of leadership and management?
- Are they consistent with the school improvement plan, and do they provide a clear and practical basis for action?
Ofsted do not require the self-evaluation summary to be provided in any particular format. We have provided a free template which you are welcome to download and adapt.
Most senior leadership teams opt to work with consultants in-school. The greatest value being gained from the conversations, discussions and challenge which contribute to professional development.