Piloting enhanced local authority link inspector visits
As part of our new inspection arrangements, we will be engaging more regularly with Local Government Education Services (LGES).
The main purpose of an Enhanced Local Authority link inspector visit (ELV) is to support the Local Authority on its improvement cycle by providing feedback on two focus areas (normally), highlighting aspects that are working well and considerations for improvement.
Our aim is to undertake two ELVs in every Local Authority during the inspection cycle (2024-2030). Find out more about how the new ELVs will work in the video below:
Estyn has developed Enhanced Local Authority link inspector visits (ELV) to help us gain a better understanding of the ongoing work of LGES (Local Government Education Services).
ELVs build on the intelligence and the information gathered by our Local Authority Link Inspectors (LALIs) over time. They add value by providing opportunities for a deeper look at aspects of the LA’s work. Our current LALI work approaches don’t allow for sufficient triangulation for us to provide secure written feedback to individual LAs which would stand up to scrutiny.
Directors have always requested written feedback following our LALI link visits, and ELVs will enable us to provide this.
Normally, ELVs will be undertaken by 3 HMI over two days, although this may vary depending on the nature of the focus areas and the size of the local authority. We are also considering including Peer Inspectors on our ELVs (in place of an HMI).
A core inspection looks at a broad range of service areas and how the local authority provides cohesive provision to support the education, training and wellbeing of children and young people. ELVs will have a narrower focus and will involve fewer local government officers. A clear point of difference between ELVs and core inspections is that there will be no follow-up judgement, nor will an ELV trigger a core inspection.
We will inform the local authority one term in advance that we intend to carry out an ELV. At that point, we will work with the local authority to suggest appropriate focus areas. The focus areas could relate to a recommendation from the LA’s previous core inspection; be one of the LA’s current priorities; an area identified by Estyn as part of their ongoing work with the LA; or a national priority.
During ELVs, the team will meet with relevant officers and stakeholders and consider any evidence that the local authority wishes to share. We would also use information from recent inspection of providers to inform this work. We do not expect the local authority to prepare any additional paperwork for an ELV. There could be additional work in organising meetings, with stakeholders or with elected members and officers.
The outcome of the ELV will be a letter giving feedback to the local authority about aspects of their work which they can use to inform their elected members, officers and other interested parties. The letter will be sent to the director. An ELV will not generate follow-up activity.