HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) will reduce the number of inspections it carries out every year, according to new plans launched today. Currently, primary and secondary schools are inspected every seven years, with more frequent follow-up visits for schools with areas of concern.

Under the new proposals, a smaller section of schools would be inspected, while under-performing schools would be made a priority. The new plans will also cut the period of notice of an inspection to schools to reduce teacher anxiety and to improve parent confidence in inspections, according to the Herald Scotland.

Bill Maxwell, HMIE's senior chief inspector said "We believe a shorter period of notice for inspection will increase public confidence that inspectors observe the school as it normally works. It should also minimise the anxiety experienced by staff in the school, which can build up over a longer period of notice."

"We welcome HMIE's motives in attempting to reduce the anxiety of staff at what we know from calls to our Support Lines is a very stressful time for teachers" said Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Scotland.

"It remains to be seen if less notice of an inspection will reduce teachers' anxiety, as in our experience, it is the anticipation of the process that causes concern long before times and dates are fixed. It is important that when schools are being inspected that the emphasis is on making the inspection a positive process for teachers and thereby helping schools, teachers and pupils to perform at their best."

If you are concerned by inspections, call out Support Line on 0800 564 2270 or try these factsheets:

• Preparing for an inspection - teaching staff
• Inspection concerns
• School Inspection in Scotland