What do Department of Education Inspectors do?

The Department of Education’s team of inspectors visit schools, as well as early learning and care settings, to see how students are taught and how well things are working there. If anything needs to be improved we will give advice to the school about how this can be done. We visit as many schools as we can each year and share information with the Department of Education, so that we can all work towards higher standards to improve the learning experience for students.

What happens during a school inspection?

We do different types of inspections. Some of our visits take two or three days. During these inspections we visit classrooms to look at teaching and learning, and talk to teachers, principals and other people involved in the school. We also talk to students because it is important to hear what you have to say. Sometimes we carry out shorter inspections to see what a normal day is like for everyone in a school. We visit schools to see how children and young people with additional needs are supported, and to ensure that all students are safe and protected in their place of learning.

How you can get involved?

When we visit schools we want to hear what you think about the school and about your learning experience. You might be asked to fill in a survey, or to be part of a focus group. We have made some videos and leaflets to explain more about what inspectors do and what happens during an inspection. Find out here why it is important that students like you have your say.

School self-evaluation:

All schools are asked to think carefully about how well they do things and to choose some ways they can improve; this is called school self-evaluation. It is a process where schools build on their strengths and then try to make things better for students and their learning. This year, your school may ask you to fill in a survey or to take part in a discussion about different things. Your ideas will help school leaders to consider what is working well and what still needs to improve.

Where you can find out more:

Department of Education website:

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-education/

Information on inspection for children, young people and parents/guardians: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d3832-guide-to-inspection/