Be a lay inspector and help schools

SCHOOLS have come under increasing scrutiny since the Covid pandemic and classroom closures – lots of people have opinions about how they run. Now Wales’ education watchdog is asking members of the public to join its inspection teams.

Estyn is looking for lay members, who don’t work in schools or council education departments, to help its work ensuring standards. “Being a lay inspector is a brilliant opportunity to help your community and make a difference to the lives of young people,” Estyn said.

“We’re looking for members of the public who do not work in a school setting, but have an interest in education. Seeing our work through the eyes of a lay inspector brings transparency to what we do.”

Lay Inspectors consider how aspects of life at school and in pupil referral units affect the safety, wellbeing and attitudes of pupils. They do not inspect the quality of education directly.

Those who are accepted will join Estyn’s inspection teams to gather information about the life and work of school from the perspective of pupils and staff. A lay inspector attends an inspection for one day and can inspect through the medium of Welsh or English or both.

To be eligible, applicants cannot have been employed in a school, or in a local authority education department, but can have been a volunteer or a governor. Those who are accepted won’t inspect the quality of education directly, but consider the impact of aspects of school life, such as the school’s ethos and learning environment.

Lay inspectors will also look at whether schools nurture positive attitudes towards learning and how happy and safe children feel at school.

They are expected to go out and about in the school they are sent to with Estyn teams, observe school life, visit lessons and observe and talk to pupils at break times.