Ofsted has launched a consultation regarding proposals to revise the inspection of further education colleges, work-based learning providers, adult and community learning (ACL) provision and ‘Next Step’ provision.
The revisions are said to ‘streamline and simplify’ the current framework, which is based on Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework for FE and skills, so that inspections focus on the areas with ‘most impact’.
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Miriam Rosen, who launched the consultation said: “We want inspectors to spend an even greater proportion of their time observing lessons and training sessions.
“We propose to develop an even stronger focus on how well staff teach and how well learners progress and achieve results.”
The proposals will mean that inspectors spend more time visiting ‘weaker’ further education providers and giving them instructions on how to improve.
Outstanding providers will not be inspected unless their performance deteriorates.
Inspectors will also use fewer judgements to concenrate on the ‘core purpose of the provider in meeting the needs and interests of learners, employers and the community’ under the changes.
The revised reports hope to show how well students are supported in regards to achieving their qualifications and moving on to higher education or employment.
The new proposals will be tested later this year and throughout the first half of 2012.
You can access the Common Inspection Framework 2012 consultation here.
The closing date for the consultation is 24 November 2011.
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