Awkward teachers, pompous school governors and fearsome lollipop ladies might make Gervase Phinn’s ‘job as a Yorkshire school inspector difficult - but, as always, the frankly spoken children prove his real challenge.However, the new school year doesn’t get off to the best start when a teacher suggests that Gervase has let him and his school down. Called up in front of his new boss, the formidable Miss de la Nare, Gervase fears he’s in hot water. To add to his woes, he is given a 'little job’ which means liaising with the infuriating Mrs Savage - the bane of inspectors’ lives.

Meanwhile, away from schools, Gervase’s family life is blissful - until some noises in the attic start to disturb his nights…