Post-primary schools will face unannounced inspections from the start of the next school year in order to evaluate their performance, if new proposals from the Department of Education and Skills are approved.

The process will run alongside an established system already in place for primary schools that does not inform them before inspectors arrive.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn welcomed the proposals, stating: "These inspections are an important development and are a logical component of ongoing reforms to inspection processes for primary and post-primary schools."

He added it will allow inspectors to obtain "authentic information" about the learning experience provided to pupils.

The reviews, which are performed over a single day, are intended to assure quality in the education systems and monitor the effectiveness of a school's teaching practices.

Responding to the news, general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland Peter MacMenamin confirmed his organisation would engage in the consultation process and bring the views and concerns of its members to the table, the Irish Independent stated.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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