Supporting learners with high needs Anyone reading recent inspection reports will realise there is significantly more focus on learners with high needs, whether they are SEND, have significant barriers to learning, or are on an EHC plan. This focus extends across the spectrum, and the report extract below highlights concerns within apprenticeships: “However, they (leaders) […]
Kerry Boffey helps FE providers navigate Ofsted inspections as boss of FIN – and she tells Jessica Hill the new inspection framework isn’t a reason to drop your guard Kerry Boffey woke up every inspection morning with stomach ache during her 18 years as an inspector of independent training providers. She believes every Ofsted inspector […]
Sarah Vickrage of FIN sets out how articulating learner context, utilising the learner voice and enabling learner independence can score with Ofsted on inclusion. Ask a learner whether their provider is inclusive and their answer is unlikely to reference a policy or strategy. Instead, they will talk about whether staff understand them, whether learning […]
New Inspection Reports Are Finally HereMany 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 […]
Be guided by the toolkit, get ready for scrutiny of inclusion, safeguarding and careers, and showcase strong governance The first results are out – and the outcomes of Ofsted’s inspections under the new education inspection framework look encouraging. After last year’s extensive consultations, there’s an argument that all’s well that ends well. But employers and providers […]
What does effective governance mean? With the imminent application of the new toolkit, we are seeing fewer published inspection reports, making it much more challenging to produce a statistical analysis. Until new inspections become more common, we will suspend our normal data charts. However, the small number of reports published shows learner achievement remains the […]
The education 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 […]
Which comes first, compliance or quality? A key aspect of recent reports focuses on quality assurance, highlighting a continuing area for improvement. A QA focus may likely continue into the new framework. We know that for many, good QA is a problem, but what does good and effective quality assurance look like? This extract from […]
Progress from starting point still haunts many We make no apology for revisiting this topic, and as the following extract illustrates, some are a long way from finding a solution. Staff do not use information about what apprentices already know and can do to plan a sufficiently challenging curriculum. Coaches complete a check of apprentices’ […]
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 […]
Email: info@fin-online.org.uk
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