Too many providers let data sit in dashboards instead of using it to shape strategy. National Grid’s forensic, forward-looking use of information shows how inspection confidence grows from evidence-led improvement, not compliance paperwork. The further education and skills sector has long been accustomed to change. New Ofsted frameworks, shifting government policy and evolving business demands […]
Schools can’t afford to allow this new feature of Ofsted’s framework to go unnoticed. It can transform the inspection experience In January, I argued in these pages that introducing an inspection nominee role in schools could be one of the most positive outcomes from the Ofsted framework reforms. It has come to pass, and I strongly believe that […]
The inspection framework revamp touts inclusion and fairness but without industry insight and real focus on apprenticeships, FE will still be underserved. In just under a month’s time, Ofsted will roll out its revised Education Inspection Framework (EIF) for further education and skills providers. On paper, it looks like progress: the single overall judgment is […]
As funding pressures mount and oversight gaps widen, the long-term future of bootcamps depends on better accountability and sustained quality Like many skills initiatives over the past three decades, the history of skills bootcamps in England has been mixed. Conceived during the pandemic, bootcamps were designed as short, intensive courses aligned with employer demand. They […]
Kerry Boffey of FIN shares best practice to show that data, if monitored regularly and acted upon, can be transformational for a provider. In our sector, data is more than just compliance; it’s the evidence of impact. When provision is complex, metrics alone won’t tell the full story. But if we’re honest, every year the […]
Kerry identifies weak oversight as a common thread behind institutional failure. External governors should set clear expectations for sustainable improvement. In further education (FE) and skills provision, the term governance often conjures images of formal processes, structural diagrams and polished board reports. But the real engine of institutional success lies not in procedural compliance, but […]
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 […]
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