9. INSPECTION

9.1 Overall, 74.5% of school libraries were inspected during the most recent OFSTED inspection. There were differences between countries, sectors and size. No doubt the reasons for these differences should be explained by OFSTED policy.

Comparison by sector (%):

Comparison by size (%):

9.2 No doubt, concentrating on larger schools brings more pupils into the process of inspection.

9.3 Overall, 66.1% of school libraries were specifically referred to in the most recent OFSTED report. There were differences due to country, sector and size.

Comparison by sector (%):

Comparison by size (%):

9.4 No doubt, concentrating on larger schools brings more pupils into the process of inspection.

9.5 Most school libraries that had been inspected were also referred to in the most recent OFSTED report (81.8%) although 18.2% were not. Comparing this unreported group by sector shows that approximately half the inspected independent school libraries were not reported upon in the most recent OFSTED report; a similar picture emerged for special schools. There is also a tendency for smaller schools (with fewer than 500 pupils) not to be reported upon , having been inspected; approximately one third for each size band.

9.6 Of those school libraries not inspected, 21 (11.4%) were reported upon ; most were not reported upon (88.6%).

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