New Inspection Reports Are Finally Here
Many readers will have read through the new inspection reports, eager to see how Ofsted reports on providers and maybe pick up some tips. Once we get beyond working out the meaning of the coloured blobs, we get to the detail, and those looking to see what exceptional looks like may be disappointed. Firstly, we must say a huge well done to System People for
achieving the only exceptional grade so far, but when one reads the text, it’s difficult to see how this grade was arrived at. The text uses words such as ‘transformational’ and ‘highly ambitious,’ and while these have meaning, they offer little to those who may aspire to the same grade.
Many years ago, Ofsted banned the use of ‘national averages’, preferring the more reflective use of ‘national rates’; now reports comment on national averages. This is the average achievement for all providers, across all curricula. Ofsted tell us this is to provide simple information to parents, and its use will be reviewed. However, can we really compare achievement between apprentices in finance who generally only want the professional qualification, then leave, with apprentices in other occupations who must stay and complete the apprenticeship to achieve? This is where context matters, and providers must demonstrate a clear rationale for why their programme may differ from another.
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