Reference Guide for EAQUALS inspections - Support

Guide to meetings during an inspectionFocus group meeting with teachersPurpose: the teacher focus group is a way for the inspectors: to check that the terms of the Staff Charter are being respected; to appreciate how teachers view their role in the organisation (from the standpoint andwithin the terms of the EAQUALS Charters); to give information and answer questions about EAQUALS, and to give staff an opportunity to express any concerns they may have about the inspection.However, it is not intended as a session where staff members are invited to criticise the institution orits management.Procedures and focus points: the institution should be asked to inform teachers that inspectors wouldlike to meet briefly with a representative group of teachers and to confirm meeting arrangements.Proposed time: 20-30 minutes.The following points are covered: checking that teachers know what EAQUALS is and have seen the EAQUALS Charters; checking that all have got contracts or letters of appointment; checking that all know what the grievance and disciplinary procedures are; checking how problems which arise might be dealt with and how staff is/can berepresented towards management; meetings and training opportunities; the organisation’s pedagogic approach (e.g., as applied by teachers in their classroompractice, in terms of the materials and resources used, etc.); resources and materials, buildings, facilities and conditions relevant to teaching staff andtheir work; the teachers’role with regard to other services course participants receive (e.g.participation in social activities); teachers’role in dealing with course participant queries (e.g., as regards progress, takingexternal exams, changing groups, etc.), complaints or discipline problems (e.g. persistentlateness, absence, inappropriate behaviour, etc.); what staff like best about the institution and if they have any ideas and suggestions forfurther development and improvement of the institution;25Reference Guide to the Inspection Scheme for Institutionsversion 6.2© EAQUALS 2011