What you need to pass an ISI Inspection – Key issues for boarding leaders and practitioners
Course Overview
Join us for a members’ webinar offering a more in-depth, deeper dive into the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) 2024–25 inspection findings. This focused session will highlight the key areas where some boarding schools fell short of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) and the Independent Schools Standards Regulations (ISSR). The webinar will unpack the most significant compliance challenges.
Drawing on the latest inspection outcomes, we’ll explore how issues around safeguarding, pupil safety, fire precautions, safer recruitment, attendance management, and guardianship arrangements are interconnected — and how weaknesses in these areas can affect the overall management and development of boarding provision.
There will be time for discussion and Q&A throughout, giving attendees the opportunity to share experiences and identify practical solutions. Places are limited, so early booking is advised.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Interpret the key findings from ISI’s 2024–25 inspection review and their implications for boarding provision.
- Identify the most frequent areas of non-compliance with the National Minimum Standards (NMS) and Independent Schools Standards Regulations (ISSR), particularly around safeguarding, attendance, safer recruitment, and guardianship.
- Understand how weaknesses in attendance tracking, recruitment checks, and guardianship arrangements can compromise pupil safety and compliance.
- Implement effective systems and monitoring processes to strengthen safeguarding, fire safety, recruitment, attendance, and guardianship compliance.
- Develop practical strategies to enhance the management and oversight of boarding provision, ensuring readiness for future inspections
Speakers:
David Walker FTIOB, Executive Director, Boarding & Education and Director, BSA/TIOB
David has over 20 years’ experience in boarding. His career includes leadership roles in senior and prep school settings across the UK and Africa, complemented by service as a prep school governor and trustee of a multi-academy trust. David was previously Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-educational independent school, where he oversaw student welfare. His background in safeguarding, boarding leadership, and governance gives him a broad perspective on the sector, enabling him to support schools.
Dale Wilkins FTIOB, Executive Director, BSA Group Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance
Dale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding, inspection, and compliance across the UK, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI, Ofsted, and the DfE, while also overseeing the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, he is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Dale previously spent 31 years as a boarding practitioner, including roles as Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. Beyond education, he trains for the Methodist Church, is a charity trustee, chairs a performing arts organisation, and volunteers widely.
