How to complete monitoring visits

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Module description

Monitoring visits are a vital part of overseeing school performance. This short module shows you how to approach visits in a strategic way, from planning and enacting them to linking them to improvement plans and reflecting on what you’ve seen. Great for those preparing for their first visit or looking to sharpen their focus.

This module is part of the governance induction programme

Induction is a crucial first step for any new board member. This suite of e-learning modules will give you a clear and confident understanding of what governance is, why it matters, and how to do it well - whether you’re joining a maintained school or a multi academy trust.

Think of this programme as your national induction: it gives you the big-picture foundations of governance and how it works. It’s the perfect companion to the training and induction you’ll receive from your own school, trust and/or local authority. Together they’ll help you step into your new role with clarity and confidence.

The programme is structured as follows:

An introduction to the English education system
Get to grips with how education works in England. This module breaks down the structure of the school system, what schools must provide, and where governance fits within it. You’ll learn what the Key Stages mean, the difference between a maintained school and a trust, and how the school year is organised. Ideal if you’re new to education or just want a clear concise overview.
Understanding the expectations of governance in your setting
What exactly does a governing board do? This module explores the core purpose of governance and covers: what the expectations are of governors and trustees; the different types of schools and boards; and how delegation works. This module is essential for those who are familiar with the education system, but new to the role governance plays within it.
Essential safeguarding for governors and trustees
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and those governing have a key role to play. This module outlines the policies, principles and practices you need to know, and how boards should monitor and support safeguarding in their school or trust and how you and your board should approach safeguarding where you govern.
An introduction to the strategic role of governance
Governance is all about staying focused on the big picture. This module explains how boards set the vision, stay on-track, and make sure strategic leadership drives improvement. Whether you're brand new or need a refresher, this module will help you understand what strategic governance really looks like in action.
How to complete monitoring visits
This module.
An introduction to compliance
What are your legal duties as a governor or trustee? This module introduces the key areas of compliance, why they matter, how boards can meet their responsibilities effectively through monitoring - and what happens if you don’t. It offers practical guidance to help you stay on top of the essentials and avoid pitfalls.
The recipe for effective governance
What makes a great board? This final module pulls everything together, looking at how boards work as a team, the roles of the chair and governance professional, and how to hold leaders to account. It’s a great way to round off your induction and step into governance with purpose and confidence.