What do Ofsted want?
They want to see that the school’s managers are monitoring and directing improvement objectives and plans set out in your whole school development plan. The want to see how rigorous evidence-based self-evaluation and the perceptions of parents, carers, pupils, and stakeholders are driving these improvement priorities.

How can Mentus help?
Mentus Verifier supports rigorous self-evaluation, Mentus Viewfinder supports gathering and analysing the views of stakeholders and Mentus Planner allows schools to prioritise and manage improvement objectives and plans.

How do I transfer information to the Ofsted
on-line SEF?
The simple way is to copy and paste. We are currently developing a SEF report which will make this even easier. In the medium term, we hope to upload to Ofsted directly.

Can Ofsted access Mentus Verifier?
You can provide remote read only access to Ofsted or others. Others need your permission before they can access your Master Portfolio.

Who will be involved in working with Mentus Verifier?
At a whole school level, the senior management team or a key administrator will work with the Master Portfolio. Other managers can have a subsidiary or local portfolio. Non-managers may or may not be involved in evaluations. It is essentially a management responsibility to complete the SEF although there are important benefits in involving managers and perhaps their team members at all levels in the school.

Are Team Portfolios fully integrated with the
Master Portfolio?
Only senior management team (SMT) have access to the Master Portfolio. SMT can access individual Team Portfolios and refer to the evidence held in these, however; portfolios are not integrated in the true meaning of the word.

Can the SMT access Team Portfolios?
Yes, on a read only basis: Master Portfolio users do not need permission to do this.

Can we share evidence between users in the school?
Yes

Why can’t I complete my summative assessment for
sections 3 – 7 straight away?
Although you can use Mentus to write and check your SEF, Mentus is primarily focused on self evaluation. We are trying to encourage users to build their summative judgements on a sound platform of evidence.

How do I update my SEF?
Update as normal in your Mentus Verifier and transfer (if you desire) to the on-line Ofsted version of your SEF

How does Verifier link with planning?
You can send individual assessment criteria to a planning list that links up with Mentus Planner or, your own planning system.

How secure is my data?
Mentus uses a fully managed service provided by Datagate www.datagate.co.uk. Data is backed up every day and held on servers at two separate sites. Comprehensive processes are in place to manage all risks inherent in the process. You can set and change your password.

How much does it cost and what’s included?
It is provided on the basis of annual licence, which includes Helpline Support and free updates. See our price list for details.