School Inspection and Self‐Evaluation: Working with the New Relationship

John MacBeath has developed an enviable reputation for his work on school evaluation and this book brings together that experience in a coherent and well argued way. This is a “must read” for leaders in education, both in schools and LEAs, who want an insightful and comprehensive understanding of the key issues in the inspection and self‐evaluation debate. The initial chapter sets up a clear account of the new relationship for schools in the inspection field which is very accessible and should be a good primer for all staff in a school. In a brief review like this it is difficult to do justice to the wealth of information, insights and perspectives. There are practical, professionally relevant chapters on PLAASCS and PANDAS, statistics and how to use the SEF. To this end the book is focussed on the English experience. However, chapters on the development of inspection and self‐evaluation and on School Improvement Partners have broader international application. In understanding and reviewing the English scene, it is doubtful if a better book could be found. This is an outstanding contribution to the literature.