ISI expects schools to actively promote wellbeing - not just respond to it
Under the ISI framework, inspectors assess whether schools meet their duty to actively promote pupils' wellbeing, drawing on the Children Act 2004. Schools need to show more than reactive pastoral care - inspectors want proactive systems, consistent pupil voice, and evidence that insight shapes decisions.
youHQ gives independent and boarding schools the structure to gather meaningful wellbeing evidence, turn it into action, and demonstrate impact with confidence.
What ISI inspectors look for
How youHQ covers this
Leadership actively promotes all five aspects of pupils' wellbeing as defined in the Children Act 2004
youHQ gives senior leaders a whole-school view across all five statutory wellbeing dimensions, so inspectors can see not only how wellbeing is being monitored, but how it's being actively promoted through targeted action, clear priorities, and a strategic whole-school approach.
Pupils' views, wishes and feelings are actively sought and taken into account by the school
youHQ's check-ins, surveys, and reflection tools create a structured, ongoing record of pupil voice throughout the year. Schools can show how themes are identified and, crucially, what changes as a result - demonstrating that pupil voice isn't simply collected, but actively used to inform support and priorities.
Boarders' health and wellbeing standards are met; their rights and communication with trusted adults are supported
youHQ's focus groups let boarding staff run targeted check-ins and monitor wellbeing patterns across the week, term, and year. Pastoral logs, follow-up actions, and review points evidence a proactive duty of care - showing that concerns are recorded, trusted adults respond, and support is continuously adapted.
Schools provide evidence of exceptional practice: highest expectations, clear impact, no detriment to other pupils
youHQ's outcome tracking, goal-setting, and intervention reviews give schools the longitudinal evidence needed to show impact over time - not just what support was in place, but what changed, what adaptations were made, and how the school knows its provision is making a difference.
What inspectors would see in practice
An ISI inspection team asks to see how the school promotes emotional wellbeing for boarders. The Deputy Head opens YouHQ, selects the “Boarders” focus group, and shows weekly check-in data across the year — including a period in November when scores dipped, the actions taken by house staff, the goals or support priorities that followed, and the improvement in wellbeing by January.
The team can immediately see the full picture: what the school noticed, what it did in response, and what difference that made.
The lead inspector describes the evidence as “thoughtful and thorough.” It took less than five minutes to pull together because it had already been logged, reviewed and visualised.
YouHQ has been instrumental in shaping our Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy. It provides meaningful insight into the emotional experiences of our pupils, allowing us to take a strategic, informed approach to support. This ensures we can respond effectively and provide tailored provision as our pupils navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Nick Williams, Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL
How it works: From check-ins to ISI inspection evidence
Here's how youHQ builds your ISI inspection evidence, one step at a time.
2
Wellbeing Domains
Five statutory wellbeing domains are tracked, helping leaders build a clearer picture of need, patterns and priorities.
1
Pupil Voice
Regular check-ins, reflections and surveys capture pupils’ views, wishes and feelings over time.
3
Pastoral Actions
Staff responses, boarder focus groups, goals, interventions, review points and outcomes are logged in one place.
4
Inspection Evidence
Clear, exportable evidence supports self-evaluation, governor reporting, conversations with parents and staff, and confident ISI inspection discussions.
ISI: Pupil Involvement
ISI: Children Act 2004
ISI: Duty of Care
ISI: Leadership Standard