Caught between completion and assessment, too many apprentices are left to an inadequate support system. Completing an apprenticeship is a significant achievement, marking the end of formal training and the beginning of a new journey – recognition, promotion or new career. However, what follows this milestone is a phase that has been relatively under-explored and […]
As the year ends, we focus on significant events or personalities from the past 12 months. We could introduce a ‘Word of the Year’ award for inspection. Nominations include the word ‘Consistency’. While it’s good to have excellent individual curriculum programmes, if the quality is inconsistent across the range, the quality of education and overall […]
Nationally, across the FE sector, the proportion of inspections RI or poor is slowly rising. Why? Is it that Ofsted is becoming more critical, provision is getting weaker or something completely different? Is there a pattern or a trend? The analysis is fascinating. When we ‘run the numbers’ again and look at FIN members for […]
Analysis of inspection reports calls into question the accuracy of a grade category ascribed to nearly two-thirds of FE providers, explains Kerry Boffey In further education, the pursuit of excellence is a noble endeavour. Yet as we navigate the intricate landscape of Ofsted-graded institutions, a crucial question is whether ‘good’ or grade 2 is too […]
Just as a skilled musician adapts their performance to their audience’s preferences, trainers must adapt their language to resonate with learners’ unique motivations. In the ever-evolving landscape of education and training, the concept of “one-size-fits-all” no longer holds sway. In today’s diverse learning environments, recognising and harnessing the unique motivations of each individual is key […]
At the end of September, our six-month data analysis indicates providers graded inadequate and requiring improvement are increasing, with over 28% of inspections from April to September appearing in this category. There is a greater focus on retention data and outcomes in more recent inspections. We know there is also government scrutiny of achievement rates, […]
How can you tell if the inclusivity you have within your organisation’s setting is leading to a positive culture, better safeguarding and stronger learner outcomes? Questions like these are enough to panic any organisation leader. The intangibility of many of the factors of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion makes answering these questions with any substance a […]
We are delighted to share Sports Structures Education Community Interest Company’s recent inspection outcome, achieving Good in all areas of provision. This is a significant achievement for a new provider, and this is their story so far… Sports Structures joined The Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) in 2019 before enrolling their first apprentices. As active […]
Kerry Boffey, quality advisor to five providers judged Outstanding in 2023, emphasises that achieving high quality provision shouldn’t just be for inspection purposes. Instead it’s a strategic 4-5 year journey. In our world of further education, the pursuit of quality is not a mere switch to be turned on or off solely for the purpose […]
Analysis of inspection outcomes across the sector shows 22% of providers ‘require improvement’. While good and better grades are an improving trend, we can see patterns emerging. Career advice and guidance are common areas for improvement. However, staff skills and CPD are also frequently commented on. Selecting the right staff, developing their skills and maintaining […]
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