Inspecting school libraries and learning resource centres
Ofsted update, (August 2001)Abstract
This Ofsted guidance for inspectors includes the school library for the first time, addressing the fact that comments in inspection reports often give too little emphasis to the school library's role in the school's curriculum provision, suggesting its role is peripheral. To avoid this, the guidance states that comments about school libraries should be backed up by references to its contribution to pupils learning and achievements. Reference to the library should be made at any point in the report where it has a significant impact (positive or negative) on pupils' standards and quality of achievement. Inspectors should find out what reference was made to the library, if any, in the last report and explore what progress has been made on any action points. It there is little mention of the contribution of the library, the inspector should consider prioritising this as an aspect of provision to explore. Guidance also suggests that data about expenditure on books should be examined as this may signal strong or weak investment in the library and wider book stock. Specific consideration should also be given to how well the library is used in meeting the objectives of the National Literacy Strategy and the English Framework.