What to expect from your verification visit?
The verification visit is a crucial part of the National Quality Mark for SMSC and British Values process, designed to quality-assure the learning derived from your school’s self-review and assessment. Think of it not as an inspection, but as a supportive, celebratory event.
Who are the Verifiers?
Your verifiers are experienced educators and senior leaders with a deep understanding of SMSC, PSHE, and Citizenship. We know how schools operate and are there to support your school’s journey, not to ‘catch you out’. Feel free to ask us questions and pick our brains about your SMSC provision and next steps.
Why Verify?
While self-reflection is key, the verification visit offers a valuable opportunity to review, evaluate, and plan future developments. As fellow verifier John Rees notes, schools often realise the extent of their SMSC work only when reflecting during this process. It helps recapture recent achievements and refocus efforts for current pupils, ensuring SMSC remains at the heart of your school.
What Happens on the Day?
The visit, typically lasting half a school day, is scheduled with a suggested template. A highlight for many is the pupil-led tour. This allows us to gain a genuine sense of your school’s community, inclusion, and care, as pupils showcase what’s important to them. We also engage in discussions with various stakeholders, including pupils, parents, governors, faith leaders, site managers, and play leaders. These conversations are probing about SMSC but are designed as supportive discussions rather than interviews. We might also participate in lessons, assemblies, or school events to see your SMSC provision in action.
What Evidence is Needed?
The emphasis is on your school’s people, spaces, and relationships, rather than mountains of paperwork. While bringing your SMSC lead’s folder is helpful, there’s no need to create new evidence. Your completed Quality Mark self-review tool (printed or digital) is invaluable for discussion. We will have reviewed your self-assessment prior to the visit and may have questions to clarify points. Ultimately, we operate on professional trust, valuing the insights gained from your existing practices and documentation.
Virtual or In-Person Verification?
We understand that every school is unique, and so is your journey towards the National SMSC Quality Mark. That’s why we offer both virtual and in-person verification options to best suit your circumstances.
To ensure the National SMSC Quality Mark process is accessible and convenient for all schools, we offer two verification options:
Virtual Verification: This online option, available at a discounted rate, is ideal for schools seeking Bronze or Silver level accreditation. We recommend using Microsoft Teams for a seamless and effective virtual experience.
In-Person Verification: For a more immersive and comprehensive assessment, we also offer in-person visits. This allows us to experience your school’s unique culture and values firsthand, through pupil-led tours and direct interactions with your school community. An in-person visit is particularly recommended if your self-evaluation suggests your school is approaching a Gold standard or is aiming to move between different levels (e.g., Bronze to Silver). This approach allows us to thoroughly evaluate the evidence and gain a comprehensive understanding of your school’s SMSC provision.
The choice is yours, and we are committed to providing a verification experience that best supports your school’s SMSC journey.