IDSR Checklist for Headteachers | Inspection Data Prep Tool

If your IDSR raises questions you need to answer fast, this IDSR checklist for headteachers turns the report into a clear, evidence based narrative you can use with inspectors, governors, and SLT. Work through attainment, progress, attendance, and vulnerable groups in a structured sequence, with prompts that keep small cohort volatility in proportion. Download it and use it before your next data meeting or inspection conversation.

Developed specifically for the English education context, this checklist transforms the IDSR from a static document into a usable leadership tool

IDSR-Checklist-for-Headteachers

Key Benefits

• Reduces preparation time by structuring IDSR analysis into short, focused tasks.

• Strengthens inspection readiness through clear prompts aligned to common lines of enquiry.

• Improves data confidence by linking headline figures to internal evidence and context.

• Supports governance conversations with ready-made headlines and summaries.

• Encourages proportionate interpretation of small cohorts, trends and volatility.

What the Checklist Covers

• Quick orientation section

  • Verification of cohort sizes, URN and data integrity.

  • 90 second contextual summary of strengths and challenges.

• Attainment analysis

  • EYFS, Phonics, KS1, KS2 and KS4 outcomes against national figures.

  • Identification of subject strengths, weaknesses and outliers.

• Progress evaluation

  • Interpretation of progress scores and three year trends.

  • Cross checking against internal tracking and classroom evidence.

• Attendance and persistent absence

  • Overall and group level attendance analysis.

  • Clear headline statements suitable for governors and inspectors.

• Vulnerable groups deep dive

  • Disadvantaged, SEND, EAL, gender and ethnicity where relevant.

  • Focus on gaps, trends, actions taken and early impact.

• Narrative building

  • 30 second overview scripts.

  • Strength and improvement narratives aligned to SEF and SIP.

  • Anticipation of inspection questions with evidence prompts.

Who This Is For

• Headteachers and Executive Headteachers

• Deputy and Assistant Headteachers

• School Improvement Leads

• Trust leaders and advisers

• Data leads preparing inspection narratives

Format and Use

• Suitable for individual preparation or leadership team discussion