We’re backing Ofsted’s reforms – but unresolved risks include inconsistent grading and the challenge of defining ‘exemplary’ practice The latest Ofsted reforms mark a turning point in the way providers are evaluated, with initiatives like the five-day notice period for Ofsted inspections and the new Ofsted report card format being widely welcomed. However, the Fellowship […]
Following consultation from FIN members through working groups and surveys, FIN submitted our response to Ofsted’s consultation on 28th April 2025. We are proud to be a voice for our members, shaping the way Ofsted inspects education in the FE and Skills sector. Please read our full submission below. Improving the Way Ofsted Inspects Education […]
There’s already evidence of employers favouring over-19s so we must look now at improving the functional skills offer for 16-18s. After the initial euphoria following the government’s announcement about the removal of mandatory functional skills qualifications for adult apprentices, the reality has set in. While framed as a success, the decision raises several concerns. Is this a […]
It was July last year when we at the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees started hearing complaints from members (mostly judged good or outstanding by Ofsted) that their funding for 2024-25 was under threat. The Education and Skills Funding Agency had instructed them to stop taking on new apprentices for certain programmes. In some cases providers […]
The Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) secured another major policy win this week when @Ofsted announced as part of its reforms that every school in England will be asked to nominate a senior staff member to “work closely with the inspection team” in addition to the headteacher. This followed Ofsted crediting FIN in its Big […]
Ofsted’s reforms could yet prove successful if the inspectorate is able to learn from its own best practice and get its silos communicating with each other. Ofsted’s pre-Christmas announcement that it will start trialling ‘new approaches’ to inspection this month before its report card consultation opens was not universally welcomed. But if Ofsted can learn from it – and […]
FIN members are sharing with each other which AI tools really make a difference. The focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sector has largely been on the benefits to the learner with some attention as well on the business efficiency advantages for the provider, but how much attention has been given to its potential […]
The Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) is very pleased that Ofsted has taken on board recommendations made in FIN’s Big Listen submission which was based on the experiences of nearly 200 nominees in training providers, employers, colleges and universities. To read the full article on FIN’s contribution to Big Listen click here. Quotes From Ofsted Publication […]
Major reform of Functional Skills Qualifications should result from Curriculum and Assessment Review, say inspection nominees The Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) has called for the attainment of Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs) to remain part of a successful apprenticeship but wants FSQs to become much more relevant to suit the needs of employers and apprentices. […]
Enthusiastic operational staff are among those benefiting from providers adopting a more creative approach to CPD as a result of latest research. One of the most rewarding aspects of research is the glorious lightbulb moments that occur unexpectedly. These moments of sudden clarity can spark a chain reaction, like a snowball gathering momentum, transforming and […]
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