Inspection of Schools: Summary

The following are the functions of inspectors as set out in the Rules for National Schools and in Department of Education and Science circulars:

• to act as agents of the Minister for Education and Science;
• to supply the Minister for Education with such information and advice on matters pertaining to individual schools and on educational matters in general as s/he may require for the effective administration of the system;
• to co-operate with management authorities and teachers in the work of schools;
• to stimulate interest in curriculum content and methodology;
• to help young teachers and others who, in the inspector's opinion, are in need of assistance and advice;
• to advise teachers, particularly principal teachers, on the implementation of a suitable school programme;
• to assess the work of each school as a whole;
• to call the attention of teachers and management to any breaches of rule;
• to carry out a general inspection annually of the work of:
  

  a) teachers rated 'unsatisfactory'
  b) teachers on probation
  

• to carry out a general inspection at the request of a teacher;
• to carry out a general inspection (following six months' notice of intention to do so) in the case of teachers who, in the opinion of the inspector, no longer merit the rating ‘satisfactory’;
• to perform an inspection of schools for the purposes of a School Report;
• to select highly successful schools which teachers from other schools may visit for the purpose of observing methods of organisation and teaching;
• to communicate personally, or in writing, with the board of management with reference to the general condition of the school or to matters requiring the attention of management, making such suggestions as they may deem necessary; and
• to carry out such other functions, as agents of the Minister, which the Minister may from time to time require.
  

Inspectors are not authorised to decide on any question affecting a national school or the general business of the Minister and may not give direct orders in a school (other than in a Model School). (Rule 161(2) Rules for National Schools).

The following are the responsibilities of members of the inspectorate:

• to carry out their functions (as outlined above) through incidental and/or pre-arranged visits to schools;
• to inspect schools;
• to assess the work of teachers; and
• to acquaint themselves with the work of the schools in their districts and with local circumstances which influence the work of both teachers and pupils.

How to help your child with homework?

It is estimated that parents spend an average of six hours a week on helping their children with homework. If you show interest and give support early on, it will encourage your child to develop positive attitudes to learning, in and out of school.

You will benefit, too. You'll get to know your child's particular strengths and difficulties and you will also find out what he's studying. Your child's school will also gain by having motivated pupils and well-informed parents who are fully involved with their children's education.

As your child gets older, of course, he needs to become more independent. Helping your child to get organized, providing equipment and a quiet place to work and offering lots of encouragement will get him off to the right start.

Most schools also issue a homework diary where children write down what they have been set and when it is due. You should check it every week (and sign it if the school asks you to).

How to help

· Make sure you are familiar with any school guidelines on homework.

· Ask the school for copies of any leaflets about supporting children at home.

· Watch out for school newsletters advertising parents' subject sessions. These are really useful for learning about modern teaching methods.

· Nominate somewhere at home as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and resources such as pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue, dictionary and notebook to hand.

· Set up a daily routine. Plan a homework timetable so you both know what your child needs to do and when. If your child is at secondary school he will probably be told which subject teacher will set homework on each day.

· It’s a good idea if your child has a break and something to eat before starting on homework.

· Ask your child to explain the homework task and how it follows on from what he was studying at school.

· Be interested and be on hand to talk to your child about what he has learnt so far.

· Help your child to become an independent learner. Explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary rather than simply giving an answer in order to get the task finished.

· Don’t be tempted to teach your child methods you used at school.

· Turn off the television while homework is underway but do let your child listen to music if he finds it helpful.

· Use home/school books to note how your child tackles the task, what is done well and where he has difficulties. (Remember, your child is probably one of 30 so keep your comments brief!) Read carefully any comments that your child's teacher makes in return.

· Discourage your child from copying when he's asked to do research tasks. Talk about the information together, work out the key facts and help your child to write these down as brief notes.

· Be positive about your child's attempts. If you have concerns about his progress, make an appointment with the school.

· Don’t let homework become a chore. Make it a special time that you both look forward to.

A word of warning: Schools are extremely keen that parents become fully involved in their children's education but please don't be tempted to correct homework and make your child copy it out. Schools need to know how much your child understands and can do independently.

Homework clubs

If you feel your child needs more help than you are able to give, do contact the school. Many schools offer an after-school homework club staffed by teachers or learning support assistants.