Commentary Part 1: School Inspections and Other Inspections by School Inspectors Schedule 9: Amendments relating to school inspections Section 62: Power of Assembly to change inspection framework for Wales
138.This section provides a new order-making power giving the Assembly flexibility to make changes to primary legislation to adjust elements of the inspection system in Wales. This will enable the Assembly, should it so wish, to mirror the approach being taken forward in England, either in part or in full.
139.Provisions in relation to school inspection in Wales in this Act mainly re-enact existing provisions in SIA 1996, with minor amendments. In Wales, a new inspection system was introduced under a Common Inspection Framework by Estyn, in September 2004. The Framework is underpinned by secondary legislation made by the Assembly. In addition, Estyn has issued guidance on notice of inspection, the role of self-evaluation and matching the scale of inspection to need.