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About Inspections

Each year, HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) inspects and reports on the quality of education in pre-school centres, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, community learning and development services, colleges, and residential educational provision. We also inspect the education functions of local authorities and carry out joint inspections of services for children.

What are the principles of inspection?

Our inspections:

• assure the public about the quality of education provided;

• promote improvement and successful innovation; and

• contribute to the Scottish Government’s measures for improvement in public services.

Inspection in the 21st Century

• Inspections and reviews are independent, rigorous, open and fair. They reassure learners and their parents and focus on how learners' needs and entitlements are being met.

• Inspections and reviews build on an establishment’s self-evaluation, and we ask for little information in advance.

• Inspectors and reviewers gather first-hand evidence of learning and its outcomes.

• Inspections and reviews promote equality and positive attitudes to social and cultural diversity in all establishments and services that are inspected or reviewed.

• Inspections and reviews place a strong emphasis on supporting improvement and positive innovation.

• All inspections and reviews use questionnaires and face-to-face meetings that gather the views of learners, parents and staff.

• Inspectors take time to discuss staff’s work and its context with them. They give close attention to what staff say and offer advice whenever possible.

• Inspection reports are concise and meet the requirements of parents and others to whom they are addressed.