Question NW529 to the Minister of Basic Education

Reply:

The Department of Basic Education established the National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU) to put in place a countrywide credible and holistic performance review system, which focuses systemically on the state of teaching and learning in classrooms, and on the monitoring, administration and support functions at school, provincial and national levels. This is a semi-autonomous entity that focuses on an objective and holistic assessment of what is happening in the system. The Department has also strengthened its capacity to assess/evaluate/inspect the performance of schools by ensuring that adequate numbers of appropriately qualified officials are appointed at the circuit management and subject advisory levels. Neither the NEEDU or the district officials mentioned above are known as ‘inspectors’ because the role of ‘inspecting’ schools has been coupled with development and support, where this is found to be necessary. The function of ‘school inspectors’ therefore already exists and continues to be strengthened through the review and strengthening of recruitment procedures to ensure the appointment of the right people for these roles.