OFSTED Inspections
Introduction
Ofsted’s new inspection framework for further education
and skills went “live” in September 2009. Using the new
framework, inspectors will not only consider how well provision is
matched to local needs (of employers and learners) but also how
well it reflects national priorities. In the Handbook for the
inspection of further education and skills from September
2009, inspectors are advised to take into account the
provider’s commitment to sustainability. Revisions to the
framework on evaluating outcomes for learners now includes whether
learners are involved in community based development activities and
projects; and how well they develop skills, knowledge and
understanding relevant to community cohesion and sustainable
development.
In OFSTED’s Taxonomy of Issues, a list of all
issues in the learning and skills sector, arranged under the steps
of the learner’s journey and leadership and management,
sustainable development comes under category 18, Leadership.
Help and advice
The Handbook for the inspection of further education and
skills from September 2009 was published by Her
Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI). The handbook provides
guidance for providers, OFSTED Inspectors, and additional
inspectors on the implementation of the Common Inspection Framework
for inspecting all education and training within the further
education and skills sector. The handbook has two parts: the first
is guidance for inspectors and providers on the preparation for,
and conduct of, inspections; and the second is the full Common
Inspection Framework and guidance on how it will be used by
inspectors to award the main and contributory grades. The handbook
is made available to ensure that providers and other organisations
are well informed about the process and procedures of
inspection.
As well as in Part Two of the Handbook for the inspection of
further education and skills, the Common Inspection
Framework is also available as a separate document: The
Common inspection framework for further education and skills
2009.
The OFSTED
Good Practice Database on the Excellence Gateway features sub
sections on leadership and management. Within this is information
on building better practice with regard to sustainable development.
The information sets out what FE needs to do to meet the
government’s wish for the sector to be a leading exponent of
sustainable development through its management of resources, the
learning opportunities it delivers and its engagement with
communities. The website lists examples of best practice already
identified in inspections, and offers a “health check”
as well as suggestions of what institutions could be doing to
improve.
Case studies
Case studies to be added soon.
Continue the journey
Steps to take now...
- Gain a better understanding of how OFSTED are including
sustainability in inspections by visiting the Excellence
Gateway OFSTED Good Practice Database on leadership and
management and sustainable development.
- Review the Handbook for the inspection of further education
and skills from September 2009 to deepen your understanding of
how sustainable development will be included in the inspection
process.
- Use the suggestions in the Excellence
Gateway to assess how you can improve.