Ofsted never leaves things alone for long, so it really wasn’t much of a surprise when they overhauled their guidance documents leading to a reconsideration of what the implications are, particularly for self-evaluation and particularly for deputies handling line management, appraisal and a new curriculum.

Fortunately, however, there is a quick and efficient way through all this. We designed iAbacus to offer senior leaders a coordinated and easy approach to all new guidance, self-evaluation in each National Curriculum subject, and for the upgrades in Headteacher and Teacher Standards.

What iAbacus does is not only provide all the self-evaluation documentation that Ofsted requires, but it also links diagnosis with planning for improvement, ensuring that all staff are confident using one simple process. See it in action for Whole School here: www.iabacus.co.uk/school-self-evaluation

iAbacus is in essence a self-evaluation system which is quick, which makes collaboration easy (without leading to long discussions), and which results in statements that can be presented to senior leaders and inspectors with a certainty that they are completely accurate.

Better still, the system is designed to give instant access and instant use. You can go straight in, choose the criteria that you want to evaluate (anything from Whole School, Science or Teacher Standards), and then, either on your own or with a colleague, you rate your performance in that area of work.

So you might that decide your school is “good” in terms of achievement. iAbacus then tells you what that means in Ofsted terms. You can see if your “good” is correct or whether you overplayed your hand a bit or have maybe done yourself down.

In no time you have a subject or school improvement plan which takes account of where you are now and how you are planning to move forward.

This type of self-evaluation can have a huge impact on your school, especially if several people get involved in the process. It forces everyone to analyse what is going on and to justify their statement – and that is the most valuable step of all.

iAbacus costs just £100 for a one year, one-person licence. Our suggestion is that you try it out yourself and then show it to a couple of colleagues. If they like it too, just call us back for another licence.

● To see the whole range of iAbacus please visit www.iabacus.co.uk, choose your subject area from over 20 options, and then see how it works.

● For a free trial please visit www.iabacus.co.uk/trial

● If you want to know more call us on 0115 929 3419 or email us at info@iabacus.co.uk