FE AND SKILLS INSPECTIONS

PRODUCED BY FE A review of 2012/13 Week 2 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 3

Welcome to this FE Week supplement A year of Ofsted highs and lows

assessment of the sector, pointing out how well, posing difficult questions for Ofsted Mercer, Association of Colleges policy Eleanor Radford 13 colleges were graded as inadequate in itself. director, and Lynne Sedgmore, executive @EleanorRadford 2011/12, compared to four the previous year. director at the 157 Group, give their views It further pointed out how, for the second on the past year on page 7. year running, Ofsted claimed they had not Ofsted’s own Three members of the Policy Consortium t has been a year in which Ofsted stories judged a single college to be outstanding for then look even more closely at Ofsted and its Ihave hit the front pages time and time teaching and learning. gradings, ratings inspection results across pages 8 and 9. again — starting back in September last “The learning and skills sector needs re- The independent training provider sector year with Sir Michael Wilshaw’s “Deptford orientating towards a moral determination and classifications is next to have its inspection performances not Delhi” criticism. to provide high quality and relevant come under review, on pages 10 and 11, He warned that colleges could be at risk provision, which should include reputable have been adopted, with subsequent commentary from Stewart of focusing on international opportunities apprenticeship opportunities for young Segal, chief executive of the Association of to the detriment of home-grown learners. people,” it said. but they’ve been Employment and Learning Providers. The former head teacher and executive But we have in fact had a year under “pulled together Sixth form college inspection results are principal spoke on the dangers of foreign the new CIF and this supplement offers examined on page 12, where James Kewin, recruitment in FE at a conference organised a reflective look at what’s happened. Will here by the FE deputy chief executive of the Sixth Form by the Association of Colleges (AoC). Ofsted be able to draw upon more inspection Colleges’ Association, evaluates 2012/13. His remarks came in an introductory Chris Henwood results with which to hammer the sector in Week team Ofsted inspector Alex Falconer outlines speech to around 160 delegates at event held @Chris_Henwood the next annual report? one of the biggest challenges facing FE in London Bridge. Ofsted’s own gradings, ratings and The new CIF is more closely examined and skills providers in the year ahead And in December, AoC chief executive classifications have been adopted, but therefore on page 4, where Denise Bown- on page 13. Martin Doel accused Ofsted of “moving the t seems like just yesterday the FE sector they’ve been pulled together here by the FE Sackey, principal at London’s Newham A quick-fire Q&A with Mr Coffey on the goalposts” for colleges following a damning FE Week cartoon on December 3, 2012 Iwas gearing up for bloodshed under a Week team. College of Further Education, asks whether CIF takes this supplement up to page 15, annual report that pointed to a threefold new Ofsted common inspection framework As such, we’d like to think we’ve got it, and Ofsted, is fit for purpose. where there is a piece by Dr Fiona McMillan increase in the number of colleges judged (CIF). all our numbers right and included all And while many might label Ofsted on where the Education and Training inadequate. Ominously, a toughened-up regime was the relevant inspection reports, but if we boss Sir Michael Wilshaw a ‘schools man’ Foundation fits in the Ofsted equation. Mr Doel hit out after the education FE FE Week Week promised with the hallmark of, among haven’t please do let us know. as a former secondary head teacher, the Note: We have adopted the Ofsted watchdog’s report highlighted how 13 news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun others, a notice period slashed from 10 Nevertheless, we begin on the page same claim cannot be levelled against his provider classifications, and in the 2013/14 colleges received the lowest possible grading FE Week FE Week Monday,Monday, March March 18, 18, 2013 2013 www.feweek.co.uk working days to just two (albeit that notice opposite with a broader look at some of national director of FE and skills, Matthew edition of this supplement we hope to in 2011/12, compared with four the previous Leading college www.feweek.co.uk

Mike Hopkins interview effectively being four days coming as it Ofsted’s appearances in FE Week last year. Coffey, whose vocational learning story is include results for community learning and year and how, for the second year running, falls from would on a Thursday for inspection the And it’s important to note that with this told on page 5. skills providers, dance and drama colleges, no college achieved an outstanding grade for outstanding following Monday). supplement’s aim to reflect on the sector’s It’s finally onto the matter of inspection higher education institutions, independent teaching and learning. to inadequate And who could forget the annual report inspection results, there is also an intention report stats on page 6 with a focus on specialist colleges and the independent “Colleges are delivering what government Chris Henwood The 17,000-learner college had a @Chris_Henwood turnover of £47.5m for the year end- ing July 31, 2011, according to Skills Page 5 Funding Agency fi gures. in November that pulled no punches in its to provide critical reflection on the CIF as general FE and tertiary colleges. Joy learning provider - employer. has asked of them and we are interested EXCLUSIVE The agency accounts listed the col- Dawn Ward on why quality counts lege as England’s 24th largest general One of England’s biggest colleges further education or tertiary college to discuss how college performance might has fallen from outstanding to the out of 225, by total income. lowest Ofsted grade of inadequate. The grading blow means it has be- City of Liverpool College, which comes the biggest grade four college achieved the highest grade almost based on turnover. FE Week is a newspaper dedicated be better reflected in a wider basket of across the board at previous inspec- It comes around seven months tion in early 2009, has been hit with a after it teamed up with Derbyshire- Walsall College principal Jatinder Sharma celebrates the Ofsted result with staff, students and governors Picture by Edward Moss grade four result. based provider 3AAA to save more measures,” said Mr Doel. It was revisited in early February than 500 jobs after First4Skills went to reporting on news, analysis, jobs and Monday, March 25, 2013 and has been graded inadequate in into administration. Monday, March 25, 2013 every one of the headline Ofsted The joint venture agreement www.feweek.co.uk www.feweek.co.uk departments. meant the college became responsi- “But if the goalposts are being shifted by Page 6 fun in the further education sector. The report said the college, for- ble for the training of around 10,000 merly Liverpool Community College, apprentices – becoming one of the WonderWalsall E F F E C T I V E PM: Apprenticeships to be the norm had too many students turning up country’s biggest providers of ap- Chris Henwood to university or into employment. Walsall College haven’t improved. Ofsted, we at least need to know the rules late for lessons — if at all — and prentice training. “Over the past few years we The fi rst good grading under the LEADERSHIP @Chris_Henwood leave without achieving their quali- At the same time, the college have also worked hard to develop Overall grade: Outstanding 1 new framework went to City College & GOVERNANCE SUBSCRIBE TO fi cations. opened a new £35m Learning Ex- strategies to create an inclusive Plymouth after an inspection in SUBSCRIBE TO Outcomes for learners Outstanding Editor: Nick Linford of the new game. A fair and transparent “Too many lessons are not good change in the city centre to act as a The fi rst general FE college to environment that promotes equality October. enough as they do not engage hub for its fi ve main centres. achieve an outstanding grade under and diversity, making it easier for And Mr Sharma said he wanted Teaching, learning and students in relevant and interesting And last month it announced talks Ofsted’s tough new inspection re- all students to access learning and Outstanding his college to build on its outstand- assessment inspection regime makes an important activities and there are insuffi cient to set up a new English language gime has been announced. this was again highly praised by the ing grade. Deputy editor: Chris Henwood checks on their learning,” said the school in Libya — and possibly a Walsall College, in the West inspectors.” “Our aim now is to continue to Leadership and Outstanding FE report.“The new curriculum leader- fully-fl edged further education col- FE Midlands, won glowing praise from The 15,000-learner college, rated management embed further improvements and Week ship is not yet effective in bringing lege there within fi ve years. Week the education watchdog across its as good in 2008, was re-inspected ensure more students in the commu- Reporter: Eleanor Radford contribution to this process.” about sustained improvements It was not clear whether the grade headline fi elds. around the middle of last month. nity are able to access the outstand- PRODUCED Knocking spots off BY IN across the college.” four inspection blow would hit col- Its success means the college The Ofsted report said it was to “shine a spotlight” on FE. ing education and resources avail- PARTNERSHIP WITH FE WEEK TODAY It said there were improvements in lege plans, but the report made no Page 8 is also the fi rst to get a published “rooted in its community and works He pointed out how 13 col- able at Walsall to set them on their FE leadership, but governors had “not mention of expansion projects or Ofsted report with outstanding for in very strong partnership with key leges were graded as inadequatenews chosen ~ careeranalysis paths,” he said. ~ jobs ~ fun Reporter: Rebecca Cooney Three months later one of England’s news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun monitored the signifi cant deteriora- overseas plans. teaching and learning — a fi eld organisations for the benefi t of stu- in 2011/12, compared with four the “Current students and new stu- the competition WorldSkills TeamUK selection Monday, September 17, Week tion in student performance.” “All of our team is completely Monday,Monday, March April 29,18, 2013 that, under the common inspection dents and to promote the regenera- previous year. dents looking to join us in Septem- biggest colleges fell from outstanding to the However, principal Elaine Bowker committed to improving every aspect It all went wild for beauty Mickleburgh said: “The event www.feweek.co.uk framework introduced in September, tion and prosperity of the borough”. And just two colleges achieved ber can be confi dent that they will www.feweek.co.uk Designer: Nicky Phillips and her new senior team “shareFE a of college life for our students andWeek students in Somerset when they was a great success. It gaveIfL the director in limitsFE the overall grade. TheWeek report added: “Teachers set outstanding last year — the most be studying at a forward-thinking clear view of the college’s current this includes improving our Ofsted had the chance to see who was students a chance to demonstrate Principal Jatinder Sharma said: very high standards, have very high recent being Hampshire’s Eastleigh college highly recognised by Ofsted, weak position and have communi- rating,” said Mrs Bowker. king or queen of the make-up the skills and techniquesBoston that they Marathon Dierdre Hughes interview “We are incredibly proud of this expectations and use their voca- College in July, inspected under the for not only producing excellentJason Holt ~ his story Sales executive: Hannah Smith lowest Ofsted grade of inadequate. cated the urgent need for improve- She added: “While the overall rat- jungle. have learned” achievement and delighted that tional skills and expertise to make old framework. results, but also for making sure ment,” added the report. Principaling is disappointing to us, we would Beauty therapy students from A snow leopard won fi rst Ofsted has recognised the college lessons motivating, interesting and The new framework, introduced students graduate with the qualifi ca- FREE WITH THIS NEWSPAPER Mrs Bowker, who took up post mid- like to stress that there are numer- Strode College, in Street, showed place in the level three category, as one of the best in the country for memorable. from September, followed Ofsted’s tions needed to progress to higher Administration: Victoria Boyle City of Liverpool College, which achieved 2011, said she accepted the result. ous positive elements within it. off their skills and creative fl air designed by Charlotte Collins, 18, outstanding teaching and learning, “Lessons are well planned, engag- Good Education For All consultation education or the skills required in “We accept the report and are “The report ant highlights that the afterin a college make-up competition from Yeovil, and modelled by Celia and the impact this has on produc- ing and enable students to make that ended last May. the workplace.” working hard to ensure that the deficollege is providing outstanding that had the theme ‘wild Graziano, 17, from Henstridge. ing high levels of success. rapid progress and achieve well. It includes a reduced inspection It is the second outstanding Ofsted the highest grade almost across the board areas highlighted as inadequate are opportunities for students in other kingdom’. The level two cateogory was “This would not have been possi- “Leaders, managers and gover- notice period from three weeks to rating to have gone to the Black IN Operations: Shane Mann improved,” she said. work-based learning which is a key They were set the challenge of won by Emma Daley, 16, from ble without the dedication shown by nors have an ambitious vision for two days and a potential re-inspec- Country town recently, with Walsall PARTNERSHIP WITH “We have met with all of our part of the provision we provide. creating a complete look using Somerton with a mermaid design Page 12 all staff and governors at the college the college and its students.” tion of providers ‘requiring im- Adult and Community College internal teams, from governors tograde “It also highlights how safefour our make-up, hair styling, an outfi t, modelled by Sophie Satin, 16, from Page 6 in ensuring students are stretched The report comes around four provement’ within 12 to 18 months. having achieved the grade — as aThe author of the independent at previous inspection in early 2009, was teaching staff, and we are certain college environment is for our stu- accessories and nails. Yeovil. and challenged in their studies, months after chief inspector Sir Providers who get the grade twice local authority provider, rather thanreview into SME apprenticeships Financials: Helen Neilly Pageinside... 5 that there is a strong commitmentThird to dents, poorand this is inspectionhugely important forBeauty City therapy teacher Marcie More campus round-up on pages 13-16 inside...Paul Phillips on good governance enabling them to fulfi l their true Michael Wilshaw’s annual report in in a row can be judged inadequate general FE — in January. tackle any weaknesses.” Collegeto us.” Coventry’s Paul Taylor potential and successfully progress which he called on the government on their third inspection if they Editor’s comment page 4 graded inadequate in every one of the tion in March, was critical of below inside... Chris Henwood average achievement, low course @Chris_Henwood completion, poor attendance and headline Ofsted fields. punctuality. Contributors: The principal of the latest big city It said: “Quality assurance systems college to be labelled inadequate by are ineffective. They have failed to From left: bridge on Deptford Creekside, linking Greenwich and Deptford, Sir Michael Wilshaw the chief inspector at Ofsted, and India Gate in the heart of Delhi Ofsted has told of his determination prevent the decline in success rates Denise Brown-Sackey The report said the college, formerly — a field to stay on and “put things right”. and have not brought about the After 16 years in the job and two Page 7 necessary improvements across the Focus on ‘Deptford tor,not defended moves Delhi’ abroad. AoC says ban delegates Ofsted from tweetingchief tweet during the proceedings as a previous poor inspections, Paul college, particularly in teaching, His warning on looking abroad Carolyn Lewis on technology “It’s clear to us that colleges are A Twitter ban at Sir Michael courtesy to media that had asked Taylor, at City College Coventry, was learning and assessment.” Chris Henwood came just fi ve months after former businesses and they need to be Wilshaw’s Ofsted conference to attend. Liverpool Community College, had too that, hit with the grade four result across It added: “Leadership and manage- Joy Mercer eld. @chris_henwood FE Minister John Hayes launched business-like if they are to effectively was defended by organisers as a “It would not be fair or reason- each inspection headline fi ment throughout the college are not the FE Global Strategy. deliver quality to their students,” she “courtesy to the press”. able to expect a media outlet not The 8,000-learner college was effective in bringing about sustained The AoC had played a key role in said. The clampdown on live infor- to attend, while the content of the also given grade fours throughout improvement in all areas.” Colleges could be at risk of focusing developing the strategy at the request many students turning up late for lessons — under the “The government’s report called mation escaping Prospero House discussions was entering the pub- Lynne Sedgmore the main fi ndings board, including But Mr Taylor said the inspec- on international opportunities to the of the Department for Business, for a global education strategy that’s had already seen journalists lic domain at the same moment.” apprenticeships and 19+ learning tors’ fi nal grading was “unexpected” detriment of home-grown learners, Innovation and Skills (BIS). very much about providing oppor- barred from the event. Joy Mercer, AoC policy programmes. because self-assessment indicated Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael In December, BIS said in its New tunities to our students and our col- The behind-closed-doors the college would get director, added that press were if at all — and leave without achieving their common It got grade three overall results at Wilshaw has warned. Challenges, New Chances report: “Al- ed by Associa- Colin Forrest leges on an international stage. ruling was justifi not normally allowed at their a grade three overall The former head teacher and previous inspec- though currently higher education “For colleges that engage in inter- tion of Colleges (AoC) communi- — and a grade two events, which can cost up to tions in March 2010 executive principal spoke on the is by far the largest export market, “I can’t Page 8 national work there’s no evidence it cations director Ben Verinder as £468 a-head. and May 2007, but for teaching, learning dangers of foreign recruitment in cant emerging demand there is signifi diminishes the quality of education allowing contributors an “open “We don’t normally have any qualifications. inspection and assessment. Carolyn Medlin its highest mark walk Campus Round-up FE at a conference organised by the and potential for technician and at the time of inspection.” and frank” dialogue. “Where we got it media at these conferences,” this time was a Association of Colleges (AoC). His higher level vocational skills, which An Ofsted spokesperson declined “Traditional and social she said. “We want people to be single grade two for away” really wrong was on remarks came in an introductory are widely recognised as essential to FE Week’s request for a copy of Sir media coverage of the able to be unattributable. It gives Subscribe online now at feweek.co.uk teaching, learning teaching, learning speech to around 160 delegates at the sustain balanced economic growth. Subscribe online now at feweek.co.uk Michael’s speech. relationship between colleges Principal Elaine Bowker said: “We accept framework, people that freedom to have that Mike Cooper and assessment on event, held on Monday last week at “Further education exports are and assessment. Our own assessment However, Miss Mercer said she and Ofsted is essential to a dialogue. independent living and life skills. Prospero House, London Bridge. regime was telling us they were good, already valued at £1 billion a year.” welcomed a commitment from Sir healthy debate,” he said. “Any review of this policy “I’ve thought long and hard about Conference-goers, who were The report added: “We want to so it was quite a severe drop,” he said. Michael to put FE inspections “on “However, there are occasions would have to be carried out what’s happened,” said Mr Taylor banned from live tweeting, later told ensure that FE is in the strongest eld” with those for Stewart Segal the report and are working hard to ensure limited “We assessed standards wrongly a level playing fi when members need and deserve by Ben Verinder and our chief (pictured). FE Week that the chief inspector possible position to take advantage because we weren’t focusing enough schools. “But we are disappointed to be able to talk directly to executive Martin Doel. But “I’ve thought: ‘Shall I go?’. But I questioned the drive of colleges to of these opportunities and punch its on the learning aspect.” this won’t happen until the new Ofsted without media presence, at the moment we feel it [press increase their intakes from abroad, weight internationally.” couldn’t leave the college with those However, Mr Taylor said he was Ten minutes inspection framework for schools, in in order to have an open ban] is exactly what our that the areas highlighted as inadequate are the overall questioning whether the focus should Page 11 And even the AoC itself has taken James Kewin grades. If I walk away I’ll regret it implementing changes to improve 2016,” she said. and frank dialogue. members want.” forever. the college, which, according to agen- be on “Deptford not Delhi”. a lead on capitalising on foreign “One such disadvantage against “The audience was asked not to dent we will put They also told FE Week, which was “I’m very confi cy fi gures, had a turnover of £20.3m inside... potential with its move to create schools is the fact colleges’ data regis- before the bombs subject to a press ban for the event, an India Offi ce for recruitment on What do you think? Leave a comment on www.feweek.co.uk or get in touch improved.” grade. things right. At the end of the day we for the year ending July 31, 2011. See p3 for more ters student retention levels, whereas Alex Falconer have to accept where we are and face One change, a new system to moni- that Sir Michael spoke of support- behalf of subscribing colleges. schools don’t.” ing colleges in their concerns over up to it.” tor attendance and trigger action to But Joy Mercer, AoC policy direc- inspections. City College Coventry is the third deal with students who did not turn Fiona McMillan But things were looking up for the sector However, big city college to have been given a up, was not in place in time for the PICK UP FE WEEK’S grade four in recent weeks. inspection. Staff training would also Last month, City of Liverpool Col- be assessed and addressed, “before to lege got grade fours in every headline the end of June with a view to a clean at the end of the month when Walsall in April eld, four years after it inspection fi start in September”, he said. GUIDE TO FE LOANS + ADVANCED was praised as outstanding. AA GUIDE GUIDE TO TO 24 24+ ADVANCED Mr Taylor added: “Generally we LEARNINGLEARNING LOANS LOANS FOR FOR COLLEGES FREE WITH THIS NEWSPAPER && OTHER OTHER PROVIDERS PROVIDERS IN And, more recently, City of Bristol need to tidy up on all our systems and PARTNERSHIP If you are interested in placing a College became the first general FE college FE Week College fell from good to inadequate, become more consistent and focused. WITH www.fundingguide.co.uk with grade fours in all but leadership But we don’t just want to implement

IN Order today from and management, where it was seen an action plan — we want to put in PARTNERSHIPWITH PRODUCED FE BY Week FE PRODUCEDBY Week cant culture change.” IN to be in need of improvement. place a signifi PARTNERSHIPWITH product or job advert contact to achieve an outstanding grade under reported Coventry’s Ofsted report, pub- Editor’s comment p4 lished on April 23 following inspec- This digital edition is not for onward distribution or reproduction. To discuss the FE Week Ofsted’s tough new inspection regime. another multiple subscription service please contact Shane Mann on 020 8123 4891 E: [email protected] The West Midlands provider won glowing shocking The 8,000-learner college was also given Despite initially vowing to “stay on and T: 020 8123 4778 praise and its success meant the college was Ofsted inspection. City College Coventry grade fours throughout the main findings put things right”, college principal Paul also the first to get a published Ofsted report was hit with an inadequate grade four result board, including apprenticeships and 19+ Taylor announced within weeks that he with outstanding for teaching and learning across each inspection headline field. learning programmes. would be leaving. 4 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 5

Changes to the inspection framework Matthew Coffey ~ his story ollowing a twelve week consultation period from February 9, last year, Ofsted implemented its new common “I was working in a restaurant in Lincoln inspection framework (CIF) in September 2012. Chris Henwood F and my leg was trapped in one of their @Chris_Henwood big mixing machines and it smashed it in The new CIF introduced a series of significant changes to the way Ofsted would inspect further education and skills several places, so I’ve got lots of pins and providers. Changes included: Ofsted’s national director of FE and plates in my leg. skills talks to FE Week “I’d wanted to be a policeman and got the here’s a choice of comfy little red sofa bare minimum to get in, but of course the Twith two small armchairs either side, injury blew a hole in my dreams so I really A good education for all or a cold but smart table and chairs next to had to rethink what I was going to do. Two working days’ notice Limiting grade Requires improvement the window. “Then we moved down to Devon I went A good education for all A good education for all A good education for all Ofsted will be introducing some significant changes to the way further education and skills providers are inspected from September 2012. We want to make sure learners and My bag is plonked, hopefully, by the to Exeter College and chose catering and ProvidersOfsted will be introducing are some significant now changes given to the way two further educationworking and InOfsted order will be introducing to besome significant judged changes to‘outstanding’ the way further education and TheOfsted will grade be introducing someof significant‘satisfactory’ changes to the way further (Grade education and skills providers are inspected from September 2012. We want to make sure learners and skills providers are inspected from September 2012. We want to make sure learners and skills providers are inspected from September 2012. We want to make sure learners and providers understand how we have listened and weighed the many different responses to days’providers understand notice how we haveof listened inspection. and weighed the many Prior different responses to to overall,providers understand providers how we have listened andnow weighed havethe many different to responsesof to 3)providers is understand now how referred we have listened and to weighed as the ‘requires many different responses to welcoming sofa and I hover nearby before hospitality. I really got on the right tracks the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to inspection we will be introducing and why, and what they can do to use inspection as a inspection we will be introducing and why, and what they can do to use inspection as a inspection we will be introducing and why, and what they can do to use inspection as a 2012/13lever for improvement. it was 10 working days. achievedlever for improvement. ‘outstanding’ in teaching, improvement’.lever for improvement. inspection we will be introducing and why, and what they can do to use inspection as a Matthew Coffey, Ofsted’s director of further there and was supported very much by a lever for improvement. learning and assessment. education and skills, walks in. teacher who recognised that I could achieve He stands next to the table, places a pile and led me to believe I could achieve of paperwork down and pulls out a chair — whatever I wanted.” and with it, my hopes for a chatty one-to- The college came before an impressive one seem dashed. stint running the kitchens and 40-seater

June 2012 June 2012 June 2012 We’re in a corporate-feeling, air- restaurant of Tiverton’s since-demolished conditioned room right next door to Boars Head. Employing up to 30 staff, he Three strikes Reinspection Staff performance his eighth floor office at the education also serviced the pub’s attached 26-bedroom A good education for all A good education for all A good education for all When a provider is judged Providers that are judged as Ofsted will ask providers for watchdog’s Aviation House HQ in London. hotel — all around the age of 18. Ofsted will be introducing some significant changes to the way further education and Ofsted will be introducing some significant changes to the way further education and Ofsted will be introducing some significant changes to the way further education and ‘requiresskills providers are inspected improvement’ from September 2012. We want overall to make sure learners and skills providers are inspected from September 2012. We want to make sure learners and anonymisedskills providers are inspected from outcomes September 2012. We want of to make sure learners and providers understand how we have listened and weighed the many different responses to ‘requiresproviders understand howimprovement’ we have listened and weighed the overall many different responses will to providers understand how we have listened and weighed the many different responses to But within the hour I emerge from said “It was an incredible university of life the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to the consultation. We also want to ensure that providers are fully aware of the changes to twice,inspection we willconsecutively, be introducing and why, and what andthey can do has to use inspection not as a beinspection re-inspected we will be introducing and why, within and what they a can 12 do to useto inspection as a performanceinspection we will be introducing managementand why, and what they can do to use inspection as a lever for improvement. lever for improvement. lever for improvement. room with the knowledge that the man experience,” says Coffey. improved to at least ‘good’ on the procedures for teachers, trainers 18- month period. responsible for inspections of England’s FE “And I kept a relationship with the third consecutive inspection, the lead and assessors. June 2012 inspector can judge the provider as providers is a Playstation-loving wannabe college I’d just left and took on lots of ‘inadequate’ overall. helicopter pilot (among other things), “kept summer students and gave them work Read more about the changes here: http://tinyurl.com/mlp6kag sane” by his two beloved spaniels, Lola and experience There was such an opportunity Seth. He’s also a 46-year-old devoted dad to for others to come and see what we were June 2012 June 2012 June 2012 Anna, aged 25, and Rosie, 19, as well as a doing.” Snapped: Matthew Coffey on a 2008 holiday in Florida’s Everglades Are providers fit for purpose — but is Ofsted fit to judge? recently-converted Londoner. He adds: “My background has been “London has been my office for four absolutely vocational and my career has independent inspectorate of government- through the ranks and in January last year Being under the Ofsted spotlight re providers fit for purpose — but is I was delighted that Ofsted’s visit to in MPs’ 2010 investigation, lies with the years, but for two-and-half of them I’d been developed as a result of interventions from funded training,” he explains. was given the title national director of can be an uncomfortable place, says AOfsted fit to judge? Newham validated the education we expertise of inspectors themselves. commuting from Lincoln, which is one heck lots of people and not necessarily on the “I became one of the Training Standards learning and skills. In March he was also Denise Brown-Sackey, who turns Being under the Ofsted spotlight can provide for our 21,000 learners, and that Far too few have real and relevant of a journey,” says Coffey. academic side of things. Council’s senior inspectors and I led assigned the post of regional director for the inspection tables back on the be an uncomfortable place, says Denise we were deemed to be a high-performing experience of the FE sector — a problem “So my life has changed for the better by “But my journey has eventually particularly on developing a relationship the South East. education watchdog. Brown-Sackey, who turns the inspection providers. also reflected at the higher echelons of moving to London and my whole family taken in the academic route — I did my with the Chief Inspector of Prisons to “I absolutely enjoy going out on tables back on the education watchdog. In light of that, it could seem churlish to the organisation — and it can happen is here. I’ve gained four hours a day of my undergraduate and masters degrees later inspect for the first time training and inspections and go out on them frequently, More than a decade ago, the academic slander the new framework under which that those from within the field have life back and I benefit from it. To have time in life [criminology and social policy at the education in prisons. but I don’t lead them these days, I quality Leslie Rosenthal said: “The efforts that visit took place, but I do believe it has preconceptions about institutions which back and my family around me is brilliant. University of Lincoln, graduating in 2003]. “And introducing the common inspection assure inspections,” says Coffey. required by teaching staff in responding serious flaws. bias their judgment one way or another. “And I’m really enjoying exploring “That’s led me to want to promote the framework into the prison world, around “But I don’t just cover the learning and to the demands of the… inspection Essentially, the new framework for These are difficult problems to solve, London and making the most of my travel vocational route and it should be seen as 2005, was a real highlight. It put prison skills sector because I’ve got a dual role as system are great enough to divert providers is now the same as that for although I am glad Ofsted has been card every weekend. a first choice route for young people at education on the map and lifted the lid, but regional director responsible for all our resources from teaching so as to schools. recruiting more FE experts recently. “My family and I really like the London school.” it took an awful lot of work. I visited and inspections in the region. affect pupil achievement in the But, for me, they are fundamentally In writing this, I am well aware that Bridge, Borough Market, Southbank areas But after three years at the Boars met representatives of all the prisons in the “The last inspection that I went to was year of the visit.” different entities and need to be treated in the sector should not, and must not, seem — we’re having a real cultural revolution.” Head, Coffey moved to a national training country and made sure they all understood a children’s home inspection, and before This probably doesn’t come the appropriate manner. over-defensive, particularly in light of But it wasn’t his first big move away from provider in the catering and hospitality what was happening and what we were that — a couple of months ago — I went to as a surprise to those who’ve Let me take the example of community some of Ofsted’s own views on us and our Lincoln. sector where he became a teacher, before going to do.” a school. I’d really love to lead FE and skills experienced the Ofsted inspection cohesion. For this to exist as a judgment in standards. Aged 16, Coffey left the East Midlands moving to an awarding body and getting Coffey later became an inspection inspections, but it’s not just about going out regime first-hand — whether its own right for a small primary school, While it may not curry me favour with cathedral city for Exeter. It came just at the involved in developing NVQ frameworks as manager at the Adult Learning Inspectorate on the actual visit; it’s also the planning we’re managers, lecturers, or even an average-sized secondary school, some colleagues, I recognise some of right time for a teenager looking to step out a national quality manager. before it merged with Ofsted in 2007. beforehand and the writing of the report support staff or students. was arguably excess to requirements. Ofsted’s concerns — the need for even more of the shadow of sister Nicola, three years “It was around that time the government Starting as an assistant divisional and they can be very time-consuming. Indeed, a separate study of While many such institutions have robust governance, for example, and to his elder and now a nurse practitioner in started to talk about the need for an manager for the Midlands, he moved So inspections for me would be a real Hertfordshire students reported valuable regional, national and global raise standards across our capital city. Bakewell. challenge. a, “tenser relationship with their partnerships, the essentially local nature But in achieving those goals, I want to “I didn’t enjoy school,” says Coffey, whose It’s a personal thing “It’s always the dilemma when you teachers” ahead of inspection. of their operation means that community work with an inspectorate — the need for 48-year-old wife, Louise, is a former primary get promoted in an organisation such as Of course, as the Commons Education engagement is not a constant leadership which I continue to stand by, on balance school teaching assistant. What’s your favourite book? said: ‘You play your Playstation.’ Ten minutes of this that you move further away from the Select Committee pointed out in its 2010 focus. — which is on my side, which is properly “I was always known as my sister’s Swords, Sorcerers and Superheroes, by Tony Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is my little escape coalface of what it is that you’re doing.” Bradman — because it’s dedicated to me as and I really enjoy it report on Ofsted, and citing the evidence For providers, the opposite is true — the equipped to monitor FE providers, and brother. She was the academic genius and I ‘Inspector Coffey’. He’s my brother-in-law and he He adds: “I really genuinely believe that above, a degree of stress in any form of breadth of both our curricula and the which does so by looking at appropriate bumped along. Being told consistently that dedicated the sequel to me, too If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, what we do makes a difference and that living or dead, who would it be? examination is arguably both inevitable geographical areas we serve make that evidence. I was not as academic as my sister drove me makes me want to turn up to work every What did you want to be when you were Neil Armstrong — I would love to understand and healthy. engagement critical to our mission. At the moment, just as Ofsted may to be ambitious and to succeed. younger? more about the journey he took as a pioneer. d a y. For me, the real issue lies with the There is, in that case, a strong argument reasonably feel that our sector is some way “That was the source of my A policeman That’s a phenomenal conversation to be had, and “It can be a difficult job. It can be tiring. reasons for that stress, and — perhaps for retaining a judgment for community from perfect, determination — if you tell me I can’t do David Bowie because he’s a hero of mine. I’d love You’re never the most popular person in the What do you do to switch off from work? to talk to him about his life and what inspired him unsurprisingly for one whose college cohesion for FE inspections. At the I have to throw the same right back at something, then I’ll do it. Unfortunately I My two dogs are mad, but they keep me sane. I’m to be so off-the-wall world, but I think if we do reflect a mirror was inspected this year [going from moment, all that valuable work feels them. had a very nasty accident and injured my also a wannabe helicopter pilot — it’s my dream. back up to ourselves and if we do want What are your pet hates? outstanding to good] — there do seem to be effectively lost in inspection week. Denise Brown-Sackey, principal, Newham leg and that put me in plaster for a couple I’ve done about nine hours of my private pilot’s to improve, that means having difficult licence. I asked my wife what she thought and she Poor customer service makes me really cross areas for reform. A further problem, as also referenced College of Further Education, London of years from the age of 16. discussions in every walk of life.” 6 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 7 College Ofsted inspection results in 2012/13* Older and wiser on inspection Ofsted’s criticism of the college sector probity now had a clearer strategic risk, it is important not to forget the ‘state General Further Education and Tertiary College Grade in 2012/13 Inspection date Previous grade + / - last year was a bitter pill to swallow responsibility for what happened in the of the nation’. North East Worcestershire College 3 10-06-13 2 -1 and the toughened up common inspec- classroom. Last year’s Ofsted annual report said Lowestoft College 3 10-06-13 3 0 tion framework offered little hope for that 64 per cent of colleges were good or South Leicestershire College 3 10-06-13 3 0 Halesowen College 2 03-06-13 2 0 sector praise. However, it hasn’t quite better. This year we believe it is 74 per Huntingdonshire Regional College 3 04-06-13 3 0 worked out like that says Joy Mercer. Last year’s Ofsted cent. Weymouth College 3 04-06-13 3 0 However, there is no room for Amersham and Wycombe College 3 03-06-13 3 0 City of Westminster College 2 03-06-13 3 1 t this time last year, colleges felt annual report said complacency — just over a third were Myerscough College 2 03-06-13 3 1 Athey had not weathered an Ofsted judged to Require Improvement. Greenwich Community College at Plumstead Centre 3 20-05-13 3 0 storm but were beached, and stranded on that 64 per cent of Ofsted has indicated that the long love Central Nottingham College (formerly South Nottingham College) 3 20-05-13 2 -1 Basingstoke College of Technology 2 20-05-13 3 1 unfamiliar territory. affair with success rates is over. paramount. Macclesfield College 2 21-05-13 4 2 The inspection results for general FE colleges were good This year, they have focused on student So what of next year? Students without Rotherham College of Arts and Technology 2 20-05-13 3 1 and sixth form colleges were forbidding. progression to employment or further the gold standard of A* to C at GCSE in Aylesbury College 2 13-05-13 3 1 or better. This year Of the 60 inspected, 22 per cent were study. English and maths will be expected to gain Epping Forest College 3 13-05-13 3 0 Waltham Forest College 3 13-05-13 3 0 judged inadequate and only 40 per cent “we believe it is 74 Themes that run through inspection the qualification by the age of 18. Walford and North Shropshire College 3 30-04-13 3 0 graded good or better. judgements of good or better colleges This is likely to be measured in the Fareham College 2 29-04-13 3 1 There were no colleges graded per cent. include strong student tracking; high new 16 to 18 performance tables as well as Hertford Regional College 2 29-04-13 3 1 City of Wolverhampton College 3 29-04-13 4 1 outstanding for teaching, learning and levels of attendance; teaching that Ofsted inspections. Plymouth College of Art 2 30-04-13 2 0 assessment. A new common inspection This came against a political drive to focuses on employment opportunities and We are hopeful that after Ofsted’s own Kingston Maurward College 3 30-04-13 2 -1 framework was due, with only two encourage choice and competition for enterprise; using every opportunity to report on careers guidance in schools, due Doncaster College 2 29-04-13 3 1 The Sheffield College 2 29-04-13 3 1 working days’ notice of inspection and a 16-year-olds created through new school develop students English and maths skills; soon, there will be a much stronger focus Barking and Dagenham College 2 22-04-13 2 0 central focus on teaching, learning and sixth forms, the growth of university teaching that challenges students; good on guidance in school inspections. Worthing College 3 23-04-13 3 0 assessment. technical colleges and free schools, and quality work experience; and, governors This may be the year when success rates Harrow College 2 22-04-13 3 1 The quality in the classroom would employers being paid directly to deliver who understand the quality of teaching take a back seat to outcomes into jobs and Central Sussex College 3 22-04-13 2 -1 Stafford College 3 15-04-13 4 1 influence all other grades. Satisfactory apprenticeships. and learning, with strategies to ensure HE. South Staffordshire College 2 15-04-13 3 1 became Requires Improvement, with a One year on, the story is different. teachers improve. Ofsted will be reporting on study Knowsley Community College 2 15-04-13 4 2 senior inspector allocated to a college with Ofsted trebled its number of inspectors Ofsted introduced Learner View last programmes and 14-year-olds studying full Lambeth College 3 18-03-13 4 1 Gloucestershire College 2 18-03-13 2 0 this grade and re-inspection within 12 to and our figures show that 61 per cent of September. Whether colleges have used time in colleges. With intense competition, Norwich City College of Further and Higher Education 2 18-03-13 3 1 15 months. colleges were judged good or better and this student satisfaction method or their these have to tell a good story. City College Coventry 4 11-03-13 3 -1 Governors who felt confident in their only five were graded as inadequate. own, students’ opinions of the quality Joy Mercer, policy director, Association of Southport College 2 11-03-13 2 0 Bexley College 3 05-03-13 3 0 role in ensuring financial health and Given that Ofsted inspects colleges on of their experience at the college is Colleges East Kent College 2 04-03-13 3 1 Hartlepool College of Further Education 3 25-02-13 2 -1 Swindon College 1 25-02-13 3 2 East Berkshire College 2 25-02-13 2 0 Loughborough College 2 25-02-13 2 0 Looking at the bigger college picture Dudley College of Technology 2 25-02-13 2 0 City of Bristol College 4 18-02-13 2 -2 A new focus on teaching and learn- inspection framework (CIF) is not right in unique mission. 157 Group is keen to work Shipley College 2 12-02-13 3 1 Kingston College 2 11-02-13 3 1 ing may well have become the valued these respects. A clearer, stronger focus with other college membership groups Walsall College 1 11-02-13 2 1 hallmark of Ofsted’s current common on excellence in teaching, learning and and Ofsted to set in motion a movement Northampton College 2 04-02-13 3 1 inspection framework, but, asks Lynne assessment through understanding what which requires additional processes and The City of Liverpool College 4 04-02-13 1 -3 Sedgmore, is there scope for a wider Capel Manor College 2 29-01-13 2 0 actually happens in the classroom rather mechanisms for assessing the overall Newham College of Further Education 2 28-01-13 1 -1 examination of the college offer? than looking primarily at results on paper performance of colleges. Boston College 3 28-01-13 2 -1 has to be welcome. The outcome of such enhanced Northumberland College 2 28-01-13 3 1 ver this past year, mention of Ofsted And allying every judgment to the core processes and mechanisms will provide Leeds College of Building 3 28-01-13 2 -1 City of Bath College 2 28-01-13 3 1 Ohas generated mixed emotions in business of teaching and learning is vital. judgements and information which will be New College Nottingham 3 21-01-13 2 -1 many colleges. The 157 Group has long argued for useful, meaningful, reliable and relevant Sussex Coast College Hastings 3 21-01-13 4 1 Some ill-informed remarks have been colleges to work with Ofsted in a mature for everyone who has a stake in the skills Redcar & Cleveland College 3 15-01-13 2 -1 Bromley College of Further and Higher Education 2 14-01-13 3 1 made, grades have fallen — and risen — manner, not seeing them as the enemy, but and success of our society and economy. The College of West Anglia 2 14-01-13 1 -1 and the overall narrative has been one as professional partners, with differing We believe that colleges already hold an Richmond-upon-Thames College 3 10-12-12 2 -1 of ‘system failure’ in skills, and lack of perspectives, to bring about needed change. additional wealth of evaluation material Croydon College 3 10-12-12 2 -1 Lancaster and Morecambe College 2 10-12-12 3 1 attention on teaching and learning. Ofsted plays a crucial and invaluable that can usefully sit alongside current engagement; and genuine engagement North Nottinghamshire College 2 10-12-12 3 1 It is important to acknowledge role in providing a nationally-recognised Ofsted criteria to give a more complete and with local enterprise partnerships Norton Radstock College 3 20-11-12 3 0 appropriate criticisms of the system quality mark — and, for some rounded picture. and economic impact studies, which Brooksby Melton College 2 13-11-12 3 1 — particularly perverse funding which constituencies (often parents, used to Suggested examples include student demonstrate a contribution to the local Sussex Downs College 3 12-11-12 2 -1 Stockton Riverside College 3 12-11-12 3 0 has created bizarre incentives and dealing with schools), it is their primary testimonies and industry or sector awards economy and community. Stourbridge College 2 05-11-12 2 0 an over focus on chasing funding and quality assessment tool. — awards, gained through competition and Finally, there’s global brand recognition Stourbridge College 2 05-11-12 2 0 qualifications. However, there is a huge risk that the judged by peers and recognised experts — awards for international provision Kirklees College 2 05-11-12 4 2 South Worcestershire College 4 23-10-12 3 -1 We would add to the systems failure, current view of college success is severely in teaching and learning demonstrate demonstrate the reputation of a college Cambridge Regional College 2 22-10-12 2 0 an inspection framework which did not limited by the criteria used in the CIF innovation and excellence in the leadership and the contribution they make to Bicton College (specialist college) 2 16-10-12 3 1 always focus on the broader aspects of and we would argue that the nature of of teaching and learning; and, student globalisation and UK plc; and, college South Tyneside College 2 15-10-12 3 1 colleges in their diverse communities. a successful college is much broader in evaluations and employer satisfaction support and sponsorship of university City College Plymouth 2 01-10-12 3 1 So it is good to feel the future is turning scope. There is a public perception that surveys, which demonstrate customer technical colleges, academies and other 14 General Further Education and Tertiarty College inspections 2012/13 to one of collaboration and better mutual Ofsted judgments are made on the whole satisfaction and stakeholder feedback. to 19 models, which show how the college is Now Before understanding. college. In reality, this is not the case. Further examples are winning contracts an integral part of a whole phase approach Grade 1 2 3% 3 4% Grade improved 34 44% Those who work in Ofsted are, on a Colleges are integral to their community in competitive bidding processes — the to learning. Grade 2 42 55% 26 34% Grade stayed the same 25 32% human level, interested in the same and any judgement of their success should recruitment of both fee-paying and The future is bright – and the future may Grade 3 29 38% 41 53% Grade got worse 18 23% things as the rest of us — student success also include the extent to which they have employer-sponsored students and the be Ofsted-plus? Grade 4 4 5% 7 9% Total inspections 77 and educational excellence. It is foolish contributed to the skills and growth of number of associated entrepreneurs or Lynne Sedgmore, executive director, 157 77 77 to argue that the focus of the common their locality — as demonstrated in their spin-off companies demonstrates employer Group 8 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 9 Ofsted and improvement: living up to expectations?

As the time for the next Chief Inspector’s Annual Report approaches, three members of the Policy Consortium — which provides professional policy analysis for learning and skills — look for messages that may emerge about the past year, as well as some of the possible implications they might have. Colin Forrest, Carolyn Medlin and Mike Cooper lay down challenges for the education watchdog as it becomes more involved in the improvement agenda.

Crunching the inspection of teaching, learning and assessment might look like but there is little other numbers help. The inspectorate’s Data View website ighly-contested claims by Ofsted was launched at the same time as the Hearlier this year that no colleges publication of the Annual Report. could be judged outstanding for Alas, it doesn’t help much. At the teaching and learning still rankle time of writing the data set relates to throughout the FE sector, as people ask March 2013. how and why the Chief Inspector and Although the data can be presented others involved got it so apparently by provider type, number of learners, wrong. organisations, and local authority, it This assertion was based on the covers only the overall effectiveness or observation in the Chief Inspector’s leadership and management grades. 2012 Annual Report published last Moreover, apart from schools, it autumn (and of course covering doesn’t tell us anything about the the final year quality of teaching, of inspections learning and under the 2009 assessment. From left: Colin Forrest, Carolyn Medlin and Mike Cooper Framework) was: Since September The graphs in “For the second Data View show Sharper than Data View But again, this raises some questions by Ofsted contradict this stance. Self-assessing and This has begun to change to a degree, practising what is so powerfully year running, 2012, two general the proportion about how effectively and convincingly It may be that linking providers but more may well be required to preached might not go amiss. no colleges were of providers in ontradictory messages and this could universally be applied. that require improvement with improving convert judgement to real and positive And then of course there are mixed judged outstanding FE colleges and each of the four Cconflicting priorities set by Ofsted Subject expertise is seen as essential HMIs for a limited degree of support fsted often argues that self- change. messages around self-assessment and for teaching and grading categories are in danger of leaving colleges at and the links between the curriculum will change the situation — and the Oassessment ends up being unduly Ofsted further highlights a need to the report that captures it. Since April learning.” two sixth form at August 2010, best confused and at worst without the and the workplace are crucial. outcomes. complex and ill-focused. If so, could it reduce the variability of the quality 2012, providers are no longer required It begged the colleges have 2011, 2012 and as of essential support they need. The role of using a range of It may be that more of Ofsted’s be the inspectorate’s own approaches within providers, through the sharing to upload a self-assessment report onto question as to how “ March 2013. Although its year old Data View alternative technologies to make good-practice reports will help. But and methods are partly to blame? of good practice internally. the Provider Gateway. this finding from a been awarded Strangely, the system lays claims to simplicity and learning “exciting and fun” is there is a way still to go, clearly — At the organisational level, the This is a fair cop — learners, parents But, if they don’t and their data sample of 40 or so plotting points transparency, it is too blunt a scalpel sometimes a priority as is the need to and the route looks increasingly inspectorate argues that the process and others are entitled to be frustrated shows drops in performance, this could general FE colleges a full suite of are joined up, either for forensic analysis or the develop personal and social skills as awkward and perilous. of self-assessment or even angered trigger an inspection. subsequently suggesting a surgery leading to healing. well as employability skills. Not least because that ‘support needs to be where they perceive So, in reality, if providers choose not extrapolated to the outstanding smooth trajectory Analysis of the reports published All good points, but how to prioritise and challenge’ initiative is restricted systematic in coming If providers such gaps, and to upload a self-assessment report, they college sector as a between those dates since September last year suggests the these among all Ofsted’s other in its application to grade three to judgements on explaining them may be more likely to be inspected. whole. grades — a somewhat proportion of colleges inspected in concerns? providers — and was not designed teaching, learning choose not to away is difficult. The litany of complaint continues. In 2012/13, the unlikely pattern for 2012/13 that are good or outstanding for As if this is not enough, then the for the absence of an improvement and assessment, Nevertheless, For instance, weaker lesson observation sample size of colleges inspected has any change, and perhaps still more so teaching, learning and assessment is inspectorate also highlights that more body (which the new Education and and to incorporate upload a self- there are questions processes are criticised for focussing doubled. In the published inspection in such complex and shifting landscape around 56 per cent. needs to be done to enhance ownership Training Foundation (ETF) insists it a broad base of to be asked about on teaching rather than learning. reports since September 2012, two as FE and skills inspection. Broadening the analysis to adult of learning by learners, in evaluating is not). evidence including assessment how to do this There is potential, too, for learners general FE colleges and two sixth For overall effectiveness, the and community learning providers, their own progress and target-setting Moreover, for the provider graded views from those report, they may effectively, on so to be involved more in organisational form colleges have been awarded a full proportion of colleges with good or the proportion becomes around 61 per and developing personal, vocational as ‘requires improvement’, what is organisations to many fronts, in a self-assessment and the impact of suite of outstanding grades for their outstanding grades increased from 63 cent for that category. For work-based and functional skills targets. the best stance to take when Ofsted which learners “be more likely to period of shrinking this involvement to be recognised and cross-college aspects — including the per cent in August 2011, to 64 per cent in learning providers it is 51 per cent. Employers, providers, and teachers return prior to the next inspection progress. resource and still captured. key matter of the quality of teaching, August 2012, and then to 70 per cent by Similar figures in 2011/12 attracted need to prioritise working together and ‘provide support’? How feasible this is be inspected greater demands. Both of these statements are certainly learning and assessment. March this year. HMI comments like “teaching and with learners to ensure there is shared Should the provider ‘fess-up’ warts as anything beyond a So once again, for true in themselves. But to adapt a very Will this most recent pattern reassure For leadership and management, the learning are not good enough”. ownership of targets. and all, to help them move forward for counsel of perfection for most or nearly providers of good faith who dearly wish useful response recommended by Ofsted the inspectorate that making these proportion judged good or outstanding Ofsted reports that teaching and Altogether, it’s quite an agenda. Little the next inspection positively? all providers is a fair question. to address such issues, and even for to mere assertions with which they are elements central in the revised common has increased from 66 per cent in learning needs to be stimulating of it is arguable per se. Or, should they put their best foot Similarly, Ofsted argues that self- very good providers, this can seem an presented in self-assessment, ‘So what?’ inspection framework (CIF) has had the August 2012 to 73 per cent as of March and demanding, involving real-life The question is, what to do about forward? assessment can be overly complex and almost unattainable goal. It is a challenge to move beyond the desired effect? 2013. scenarios to enhance employability. it for the best, and at a time where There are certainly implications not sufficiently focussed on the quality Here’s a related observation. Is it mere reporting of a fact to significance Some recent comments from Skills Data View does report the proportion Quite how this is to be achieved energies, ideas, resources and time with the former. of teaching, learning and assessment. appropriate to hope that Ofsted itself — how best to make the connections Minister Matthew Hancock have been of schools with the different grades on across the full range of courses and especially are all at a premium? That is, while the report from the This complexity is not altogether might transfer some good practice, with the ways that it might be made an rather more conciliatory — a change in the quality of teaching, alongside the subjects has been not made at all clear. All of this cries out for closer, more support and challenge visit is not surprising, given Ofsted’s previous and more consistently model its own improvement reality. rhetoric that may signal some changes other grades. The proportion with good They further highlight that a compelling links to be made between published, a copy of that report is approaches and methods, and the size ambitions for teaching and training? Increasingly, then, these are in perception and approach. or outstanding quality of teaching is 73 vocational context often needs to an inspection regime that often claims passed to whoever leads the next full and complexity of the CIF itself. In particular, since providers come to significant and pressing issues. Not It’s hard to tell. But it would seem per cent at March this year. However, it be emphasised more in links with somewhat loftily to be concerned solely inspection. That links, too, with the reluctance learn, could there be more of a genuine merely for the new ETF, the wider unlikely. doesn’t do so for FE and skills providers employers and there are frequent with making judgements, and not with Does this conflict with Ofsted by the inspectorate to commit itself learner-centredness in how such Ofsted sector, or for individual providers, Reading individual inspection — making what would be a useful references in reports to the need to improvement. making judgements and supporting whole-heartedly to the processes of sessions are handled by its own staff ? but for Ofsted itself with its new reports suggests what an overview comparison very difficult to see. meet the best industry standards. However, other activities undertaken improvement? improvement in recent years. Some greater degree of better improvement remit. 10 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 11 Independent training provider Ofsted inspection results in 2012/13

Inspection report in 2012/13 Inspection report in 2012/13 Independent training provider inspections (2012/13) Total Inspection Previous Total Inspection Previous Independent training provider Grade +/- Independent training provider Grade +/- Learners date grade Learners date grade Now Before Joint Learning Partnership Ltd 4,137 2 29-07-13 3 1 Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support Limited 940 4 08-02-13 3 -1 Aspiration Training Limited 2,121 3 22-07-13 3 0 Rolls-Royce Power Engineering PLC 240 2 08-02-13 3 1 Grade 1 0 0% 0 0% Start Training Ltd 472 2 22-07-13 2 0 KTS Training (2002) Limited 245 2 01-02-13 2 0 PGL Training (Plumbing) Limited 294 2 16-07-13 2 0 CANTO LIMITED 48 3 01-02-13 3 0 Grade 2 64 49% 35 29% Chamber Training (Humber) Limited 591 3 16-07-13 2 -1 Blake College LLP 22 2 01-02-13 3 1 Retail Motor Industry Training Limited 8,187 3 15-07-13 3 0 Positive Outcomes Ltd 2,936 2 01-02-13 3 1 Grade 3 55 42% 82 67% Unique Training North East Limited 450 3 09-07-13 n/a n/a Sunderland Engineering Training Association 105 2 01-02-13 3 1 Shildon and Darlington Training Limited 82 3 02-07-13 3 0 Age UK Trading Limited 7,845 2 25-01-13 n/a n/a Grade 4 11 8% 5 4% Rocket Training Limited 646 3 25-06-13 2 -1 B-Skill Limited 741 3 18-01-13 3 0 Strategic Training Solutions (Mansfield) Ltd 69 3 25-06-13 3 0 Aspire-I Limited 1,005 3 18-01-13 3 0 130 122 Haydon Training Services Limited 206 2 25-06-13 3 1 Catch 22 Charity Limited 374 3 18-01-13 3 0 Health & Safety Training Limited 579 2 25-06-13 3 1 Mobile Care Qualifications Limited 785 2 18-01-13 3 1 Skills for Security Limited 751 3 24-06-13 3 0 Inspire 2 Independence (I2I) Ltd 1,400 3 18-01-13 3 0 Valley Forge (UK) Limited 156 2 24-06-13 3 1 Smart Training and Recruitment Limited 2,500 2 18-01-13 4 2 Independent training provider inspections (2012/13) Working Links (Employment) Limited 1,025 3 14-12-12 3 0 E.Quality Training Limited 49 2 18-06-13 3 1 DCET Training 156 3 14-12-12 2 -1 Certified Computing Personnel Ltd 66 3 18-06-13 3 0 Grade improved 39 32% McArthur Dean Training Limited 450 2 14-12-12 3 1 Youngsave Company Limited 245 2 18-06-13 3 1 NITAL 344 2 14-12-12 2 0 The London College of Beauty Therapy Limited 2,701 2 17-06-13 2 0 Grade stayed the same 63 52% St Helens Chamber Limited 1,793 2 14-12-12 2 0 Skills Team Ltd 929 3 17-06-13 3 0 Capital Engineering Group Holdings Ltd 662 3 14-12-12 4 1 Grade got worse 20 16% Jobwise Training Limited 819 2 17-06-13 2 0 ACE Training and Consultancy Limited 422 3 14-12-12 n/a n/a Prevista Ltd 625 4 17-06-13 3 -1 The Bassetlaw Training Agency Limited 41 2 13-12-12 3 1 Total inspections 122 Expedient Training Services Limited 423 3 11-06-13 3 0 Anne Clarke Associates Limited 1,313 2 12-12-12 3 1 Greenbank Services Limited 164 2 10-06-13 n/a n/a SETA 235 2 30-11-12 3 1 South West Regional Assessment Centre Ltd 1,813 2 10-06-13 2 0 Yorkshire Training Partnership Limited 753 4 30-11-12 3 -1 TQ Workforce Development Limited 4,940 3 03-06-13 3 0 Outsource Vocational Learning Limited 2,612 2 30-11-12 3 1 Elmfield Training Ltd 21,884 4 03-06-13 3 -1 Train'd Up Railway Resourcing Limited 184 2 30-11-12 3 1 Spot the inspection difference on work-based training Barford Education & Training (North East) Ltd 1,203 3 03-06-13 4 1 Above Bar College Limited 157 4 30-11-12 3 -1 Baldwin Training Limited 1,457 2 03-06-13 2 0 Enlightenment Partnership Limited 829 3 30-11-12 n/a n/a Different delivery environments for given the same credit as good teaching in outstanding. TDR Training Limited 715 2 03-06-13 2 0 Training for Today 1,187 3 23-11-12 2 -1 vocational learning are a hallmark of traditional settings. The willingness to improve is not North West Training College Ltd 538 2 03-06-13 3 1 The Headmasters Partnership Limited 213 3 22-11-12 3 0 many independent training provid- It is also true that success rates play a lacking, judging from the provider turnout Sheffield Independent Film and Television Ltd 56 2 21-05-13 3 1 Jigsaw Training Limited 1,880 3 21-11-12 2 -1 ers — and that’s something that needs significant part in determining the grade that we see at our events on inspection, so Woodspeen Training Limited 2,836 3 20-05-13 3 0 Salford & Trafford Eng Group Training Assoc 144 2 16-11-12 2 0 proper recognition from inspectors, of the provider. AELP will continue to organise workshops Lifeskills Solutions Limited 2,027 3 16-11-12 2 -1 S.Y.T.G. Limited 120 3 14-05-13 3 0 says Stewart Segal. Delivering to some hard-to-help groups that promote the sharing of best practice. Rugby Football Union 190 3 16-11-12 3 0 In Touch Care Limited 1,284 3 13-05-13 2 -1 in difficult working environments can We have discussed with Ofsted the need Huddersfield Textile Training Limited 50 2 15-11-12 3 1 TRN (Train) Ltd. 1,080 2 13-05-13 2 0 hen the latest common inspection mean it is very challenging to deliver high to build capacity in the sector to ensure we Southbank Training Limited 107 3 09-11-12 4 1 Platinum Employment Advice & Training Ltd 161 2 30-04-13 3 1 framework (CIF) was introduced, success rates. have the skills and knowledge to deliver Nottinghamshire Training Network 1,099 3 09-11-12 3 0 W Introtrain (ACE) Limited 157 2 23-04-13 n/a n/a it was clear that inspections in the sector the standards required. The discussions Kingsbury Training Centre Limited 123 3 08-11-12 3 0 Intec Business Colleges Plc 4,151 2 22-04-13 3 1 Mardell Associates Limited 3,870 2 02-11-12 2 0 would be very challenging. have covered a number of options around Acacia Training Limited 1,844 3 15-04-13 3 0 Birmingham Electrical Training Ltd 146 3 02-11-12 3 0 It was not just the reclassification of Many providers provider programmes and we hope to Greater Merseyside Learning Providers' Fed 316 2 08-04-13 2 0 North East Employment & Training Agency 203 3 02-11-12 3 0 satisfactory to requires improvement, but take those plans forward shortly. The new RWP Training Limited 858 2 08-04-13 3 1 In-Comm Training Services Limited 154 2 26-10-12 3 1 the emphasis on teaching and learning was feel the inspection Education and Training Foundation will Shire Training Workshops Limited 20 4 22-03-13 3 -1 Nuneaton Training Centre Limited 31 2 26-10-12 2 0 always going to be a challenge in a sector also play a useful role in providing support YH Training Services Limited 1,139 2 22-03-13 3 1 M I T Skills Limited 2,000 3 26-10-12 3 0 where employer engagement and on-the- process reflects to providers. In the case of traineeships, the critical The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre 102 2 21-03-13 2 0 ITS Training Ltd 372 2 19-10-12 2 0 job assessment play such important roles. traditional The new CIF is only a year old and work experience element requires a large Learndirect Limited 193,340 2 21-03-13 2 0 Professional Business & Training Solutions 114 3 18-10-12 3 0 Despite attempts to ensure all learning providers need time to work with Ofsted number of committed employers on board Business Training Enterprise Ltd 116 4 19-03-13 2 -2 Bexley Youth Training Group 551 2 12-10-12 2 0 is given equal credit, many providers feel to understand the standards and deliver to ensure that the programme is a success. XTP International Limited 315 3 12-10-12 3 0 classroom S.W. Durham Training Limited 943 3 15-03-13 3 0 the inspection process reflects traditional the service to customers that meets the There are many grade three work-based MORE Training Limited 26 3 11-10-12 3 0 Access to Music Limited 1,497 2 08-03-13 3 1 classroom approaches. approaches standards. learning providers with access to these Hill Holt Wood 64 3 07-03-13 2 -1 Engineering Construction Training Limited 70 3 10-10-12 3 0 “ Work-based learning by definition takes Providers score highly in terms of employers, but the grading threshold Business Management Resources (UK) Ltd 867 2 05-10-12 3 1 Education & Youth Services Limited 2,943 3 01-03-13 3 0 place in the many different environments We have to make sure that success rates flexibility and meeting employers’ needs means employers will almost certainly not D M T Business Services Ltd 444 2 05-10-12 3 1 Business Impact UK Limited 1,268 3 01-03-13 3 0 The College of Animal Welfare Limited 566 2 05-10-12 2 0 of the workplace, often involving very are seen in the context of the different and we need to ensure these factors are be participants in the programme. Market Driven Training Limited 707 2 01-03-13 2 0 Springboard Bromley Trust 73 3 05-10-12 3 0 small groups or even individual trainees. delivery environments. Classroom-based seen as important elements of meeting the We need a balanced approach to the South West Association of Training Providers 698 2 01-03-13 n/a n/a Arcanum Solutions Ltd 1,408 4 05-10-12 3 -1 The training provider may also be learning has traditionally had higher CIF standards. quality threshold that puts the learner at Cheynes Training (Hairdressers) 591 3 22-02-13 3 0 UK Training & Development Limited 332 2 28-09-12 3 1 operating across several sites, which success rates. Providers that have developed good the centre of the decision. Ruskin Private Hire Limited 396 2 22-02-13 3 1 Heathercroft Training Services Limited 158 2 28-09-12 4 2 requires management oversight of a This might partly explain that under the working relationships with employers are A fair, transparent and appropriate Oracle Training Consultants Limited 349 3 22-02-13 3 0 Blue Training (U.K.) Limited 1,149 2 28-09-12 2 0 consistent set of standards to maintain the new CIF, work-based learning providers now being excluded from delivering the inspection regime should be the objective Farriery Training Agency 537 4 22-02-13 2 -2 Hays Travel Limited 147 2 28-09-12 n/a n/a Ofsted standards. have seen pressure on their Ofsted grades. traineeship programme because of their for everyone that believes in consistent British Printing Industries Federation Ltd 475 2 15-02-13 3 1 Central Training UK Limited 808 4 21-09-12 2 -2 It is difficult to argue against teaching Not enough are outstanding and too many Ofsted grades. improvement. We need to ensure that the Janard Training and Assessment Centre 559 2 15-02-13 3 1 Bedfordshire & Luton Ed Business Partnership 466 3 21-09-12 3 0 and learning being more influential in the require improvement so the grade profile Although we understand the importance inspection framework recognises excellent A4e Ltd 5,680 4 08-02-13 3 -1 The JGA Group 386 3 21-09-12 2 -1 overall grading, but in the case of work- overall is likely to be worse than last year. of ensuring high quality delivery, we delivery and creates the platform for Academy Education Limited 232 3 08-02-13 3 0 Peter Pyne (Training School) Limited 96 3 21-09-12 3 0 based learning and the provider’s role, it is The focus for the Association of need to ensure Ofsted grades are not used provider improvement. Adult College for Rural East Sussex (ACRES) 1,315 3 08-02-13 3 0 Skills Training UK Limited 380 3 21-09-12 3 0 often assessment of the learner’s progress Employment and Learning Providers to exclude effective provision especially Stewart Segal, chief executive, W S Training Ltd. 914 2 08-02-13 3 1 System Group Limited 2,831 2 21-09-12 2 0 B2B Engage Limited 945 2 21-09-12 3 1 and the wider support in the workplace (AELP) must be on how we work with where employers or learners are excluded Association of Employment and Learning which is so important and this may not be providers to support them to be good or as a result. Providers 12 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 13 Sixth form college Ofsted inspection results in 2012/13 Making maths add

Sixth Form College Grade in 2012/13 Inspection date Inspection date + / - up in FE and skills Sixth form college inspections (2012/13) Franklin College 2 23-04-13 4 2 Picking up the pieces of school-leavers’ Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College 3 16-04-13 1 -2 maths GCSE failings is a heavy burden Now Before for the FE and skills sector. It is also SEEVIC College 3 15-04-13 2 -1 one in which Alex Falconer thinks Regent College 2 22-03-13 3 1 improvements are needed. New College Telford 2 22-03-13 3 1 Grade 1 2 6% 3 10% The Brooke House Sixth Form College 2 22-03-13 3 1 his year more than 550,00 year 11 St Vincent College 3 15-03-13 3 0 Grade 2 15 48% 7 23% Tpupils in England will complete their Portsmouth College 2 15-03-13 3 1 GCSEs. Most (86 per cent) will go on to training or FE of one sort or another. Longley Park Sixth Form College 3 15-03-13 3 0 Grade 3 13 42% 16 53% Recent figures show that of these, Havant College 2 08-03-13 3 1 roughly a third will stay on to their Rochdale Sixth Form College 1 08-03-13 n/a n/a school sixth form, one in ten (68,000) will Grade 4 1 3% 4 13% Oldham Sixth Form College 2 01-03-13 1 -1 study at a sixth form college and another John Leggott Sixth Form College 3 15-02-13 4 1 third (185,000) will transfer to general FE colleges for (mostly) vocational education. Havering Sixth Form College 3 15-02-13 2 -1 31 30 Around 5 per cent will take The Sixth Form College Colchester 2 08-02-13 1 -1 apprenticeships, some will get Coulsdon Sixth Form College 4 18-01-13 4 0 employment and the rest will join the Leyton Sixth Form College 2 17-01-13 2 0 ranks of those not in employment, Birkenhead Sixth Form College 2 07-12-12 3 1 education or training (NEETs). Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College 3 07-12-12 3 0 For those aspiring to science, technology, engineering and maths St John Rigby RC Sixth Form College 2 09-11-12 3 1 Sixth form college inspections (2012/13) (STEM) careers, a GCSE C grade or better and making sure that relevant training for Totton College 3 09-11-12 4 1 in maths is essential. others is in place. Stockton Sixth Form College 3 19-10-12 3 0 Grade improved 12 40% The national A* to C grade GCSE maths However, it does look as though demand Cadbury Sixth Form College 3 19-10-12 3 0 pass rate in schools is currently around 70 will continue to outstrip supply. To St Brendan's Sixth Form College 2 19-10-12 2 0 per cent. provide an initial solution, the National Grade stayed the same 13 43% However, the fact that 172,000 pupils fail Centre for Excellence in Teaching Worcester Sixth Form College 2 12-10-12 2 0 to achieve a grade C by the age of 16 has Mathematics (NCETM) has developed a Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College 1 12-10-12 2 1 been a concern for some time. Mathematics Enhancement Programme Grade got worse 5 17% Sir George Monoux College 2 05-10-12 3 1 In fact this year, around 64,000 school to provide continued professional City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College 3 05-10-12 3 0 leavers will achieve a D grade in GCSE development. Thomas Rotherham College 3 05-10-12 3 0 Total inspections 30 maths. But spare a thought for those who did Gateway Sixth Form College 3 28-09-12 3 0 Of those who repeat GCSE maths in not achieve a D grade or better — all post-16 settings — school sixth forms, 108,000 of them. Varndean College 2 28-09-12 2 0 sixth form colleges, FE colleges and work- Many of these young people will train based learning providers — fewer than for apprenticeships, NVQs, BTecs and half achieve a C grade or better each year. the like. Most of these learners will take Certainly, the recent emphasis on functional skills courses in foundation College framework fears prove to be unfounded teaching maths for understanding in our English and/or maths. schools has had a positive effect on pupils From Ofsted’s perspective, teaching The new ‘toughened up’ Ofsted inspec- CIF — particularly the move to limited CIF itself. the perception that inspection judgements More attention and more credit should and their attainment levels. and learning in functional skills maths tion regime looked likely to make notice inspections — left many sixth form For example, the Sixth Form Colleges’ were entirely data-driven. be given to colleges that are attempting to However, there are still too few pupils require considerable improvement. But 2012/13 an unhappy year for sixth colleges hoping 2012/13 would not be the Association (SFCA) has long campaigned In some sixth form colleges, there was drive up standards and improve outcomes from disadvantaged backgrounds where it is most successful, lessons are form colleges, but the general result year inspectors called. for inspectors to stop using a separate a clear sense that what was observed in for learners in other institutions. achieving five A* to C grade GCSE passes. firmly rooted in vocational contexts. was an improvement in grades, says But call they did, and in significant success rate benchmark for sixth form the classroom, and the general ‘direction Staff and leadership teams in sixth These young people are far more likely That is to say, the maths operations they James Kewin. numbers. Of the 93 sixth form colleges in colleges. of travel’ being taken by the institution form colleges should be applauded for to miss out on well-paid jobs because they learn are taught within relevant, subject- England, no fewer than 30 were inspected. This benchmark is higher than that was a bigger factor in arriving at the final their flexible and effective response to the have not achieved their potential at GCSE. based contexts. t is fair to say that the introduction of Interestingly, the inspection used for other colleges and is based on a judgement. introduction of the new CIF. This is precisely why, following the It is therefore that maths is seen as a Ithe new common inspection framework performance of the sector improved misguided assumption about the prior Despite initial misgivings over the At a national level, Ofsted should also recommendations in the Wolf report, key underpinning subject, integral to all (CIF) in September last year was greeted markedly under what Ofsted itself attainment profile of students that attend limited notice regime, some colleges be credited for listening to, and acting on, there is now a clear expectation from the 16 to 19 study programmes and not with a degree of trepidation by many in described as a tougher, more rigorous CIF. sixth form colleges. found having less time to prepare resulted some of the concerns expressed by the government that all post-16 learners will as an ‘add-on’ extra. A more numerate the sixth form college sector. A total of 10 sixth form colleges Some of the more inexplicable in less anxiety among staff and a more SFCA and its members. Looking ahead, we continue to study maths and will either and mathematically confident workforce The previous academic year had been a received an improved grade for overall inspection grades awarded during 2011/12 effective performance. are encouraged by plans to consult on the prepare for, or take GCSE maths. will make a positive contribution to the bruising one in inspection terms. effectiveness and two were judged can be largely explained by this practice. But concerns remain. The approach of introduction of a separate grade for school This is a huge challenge for all FE and economy. The more risk-based approach to to be outstanding, while three of the In 2012/13 this was much less widespread inspection teams, and in particular their sixth forms and the roll-out of focussed skills providers. Ensuring all learners In addition, FE — always the leader in selecting providers for inspection had colleges previously judged as inadequate and on the whole, inspection teams were use of data, can still vary dramatically. improvement support for colleges with an get their entitlement to maths provision the ‘second chance’ market — can change seen just one of the 13 colleges inspected received an improved grade for overall more willing to take ‘all college’ and The inspections of outstanding sixth Ofsted grade three or four inspection result. that leads to a level two qualification or the employment prospects of thousands receive an improved grade for overall effectiveness. sixth form college national averages into form colleges this year have in some cases Ofsted can help the sector to build on the GCSE is currently taxing their minds and of learners, and we might even see fewer effectiveness and 10 receive a lower grade. How can the improved inspection account. been conducted harshly. And inspection progress made over the next 12 months by resources. people leaving saying, ‘I’m useless at These figures, combined with the performance of the sector be explained? The greater emphasis on teaching and teams have been largely uninterested in ensuring that their inspection judgements It is not an easy task as there is a maths, me’. increasingly bellicose rhetoric from Well, in some respects the approach of learning has seen an increase in lesson the work sixth form colleges are doing are fair, consistent and transparent. shortage of teachers qualified to teach Alex Falconer HMI, Ofsted national lead Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector and some inspection teams and their interpretation observations and learning walks under to support schools, academies or other James Kewin, deputy chief executive, GCSE maths. on post-16 STEM, with additional research of the significant changes to the new of the new CIF were as significant as the the new CIF. This has helped to change colleges. Sixth Form Colleges’ Association Where possible, providers have been by Norma Honey, National Centre for actively recruiting more maths teachers Excellence in Teaching Mathematics 14 FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 www.feweek.co.uk @FEWeek FE and skills inspections in 2012/13 15 Building on the vocational Q&A with Matthew Coffey, Ofsted’s Director of Learning and Skills professionalism & expertise

Have two-day notices of inspection that with inspectors following on behind dip when the question comes about the sector in that way. frequently than we’ve done it in the past. I’m also hopeful the report is going to be proved successful? that judgement of requires improvement assessment and feedback and they’re Ofsted’s growing role in supporting That gives the provider the opportunity able to highlight the collective challenges I think that was always going to be a by being able to support and challenge always a little bit lower than they are improvement. to demonstrate it’s on the right journey to we have,in order to ensure we achieve the challenge and there’s a double-edged more rapid improvement. about other kinds of support that’s offered Our improvement activity is a kind of more rapid success. best for everybody. This year’s report is sword. The two-day notice is the right The proof of that will be when we start for learners. three-pronged strategy. I hope that’s going to be of comfort going to look at those that were judged compromise. to reinspect those providers which will We do a very similar thing for The first is the individual institution to the public to see we’re discharging outstanding — and I’m really pleased we I think while my starting point was that come next year. employers but we don’t publicise it in the and we will deploy one of Her Majesty’s our duty to bring about more rapid had a number of those — to understand no-notice was going to be too much of a same way as Learner View. Inspectors where a judgment of requires improvement and I suspect it’ll be very better what it was about them that’s so challenge, we really saw some benefits Are the new shorter reports better? What I’d like to do is to introduce improvement has been delivered then, valuable to the commissioner as they go good and to turn that into a challenge that came out of the pilots with absolutely Reporting is always a challenge if I’m Employer View and I think the time is using our regional structure, we will about discharging their duty. But we need back to the sector. no notice. honest. right and it’s important that employers identify trends and themes within to be really clear that they’re two separate Concern for vocational teaching and learning goes beyond Ofsted. It is shared by We saw much better teaching, learning We’ve got reports that do say succinctly have got choices to make about where they a particular region that need to be organisations. Any more changes afoot? many, if not all FE sector bodies, including the new Education and Training Foun- and assessment. That’s because people what our judgements are; that enable engage with learning providers. addressed. Ofsted is an independent and objective I’ve identified a number of priorities. dation, explains Fiona McMillan. weren’t expecting us so they were doing improvement to be made, but we’re trying The regional director will pull her non-ministerial government department I want to continue to improve the CIF their thing. When they know we’re to talk to many people here and I’m not Majesty’s Inspectors together and find and we retain our objectivity and so it has the greatest impact. I want to ne of the privileges of being vice- and learning identified [by the commission] coming they do what they think we want convinced that we talk to employers 50 per cent of our resources and take those out into the independence and will continue to do continue to improve our improvement Ochair of the Commission on Adult as an additional lens through which to to see. There’s a message in that for us, enough through our reports. region to a collective of providers. what we do in the hope it’s accessible to work — we’ve got defined resources and Vocational Teaching and Learning (CAVTL) review vocational provision”. but also one for the sector. We need to find different ways, I think. inspection team And then there’s the national picture the FE Commissioner. I’ve got to deploy them sensibly, in the was the opportunity to see genuinely world We were delighted when Ofsted suggested The great challenge is that we give If you try and do everything in one and what comes out of the annual report. public interest and I’ve got to make sure class vocational teaching and learning in a joint project, which we hope will do just the two-day notice to the head of an single report it becomes inaccessible and comes from the We’ve just done a series of national Has the CIF been amended to take into they have an impact. action in a whole range of settings — with that. We are now working with Ofsted organisation and could they keep that therefore it doesn’t get used. conferences and seminars related to the account the new study programmes and employers, colleges and training providers, and the CAVTL commissioners to further quiet from their staff ? That would be a I’m comfortable with where we are. I sector itself — value of self-assessment. traineeships? across different sectors of the economy explore excellent vocational teaching challenge, but it would produce really think we’ve sharpened it. they are current These are all very valuable things that Our inspectors are very familiar with We’ve got to find — much of which challenged our initial and learning. By visiting providers and interesting results. I think our recommendations are much we continue to do and they’re certainly the concept of a programme of study. I better, more assumptions. employers, who recently applied to be part Logistically, it’s worked. It’s fine and it’s clearer, but I still think there’s more “practitioners having an impact. They’re definitely haven’t changed the CIF nor have I got From the practice that commissioners of a case study project, Ofsted inspectors alleviated some of the pressure that came that we can continue to do and we have a getting a positive response from the sector. any plans to do so. We’ve produced some innovative ways saw, from the evidence that was and the commission are seeking to further from a three-week notice period and we’ve programme of training and development How do you see Ofsted’s relationship Those seminars are really valuable guidance and some FAQs, and have run submitted by employers, learners, and illuminate the characteristics of excellent done an evaluation and providers tell us for our own inspectors and the sharpness with ETF developing? when we’ve got providers with us who workshops, laying out good practice. of engaging teachers and trainers, and the research provision, and the distinctive features of the two-day notice works well for them. of report writing is always up there, so Sector-led improvement has really got a have made that journey from requires We’re quite comfortable the CIF will we commissioned, we identified four effective vocational teaching, learning and that we can continue to learn from each place in further education and skills improvement to good or outstanding. continue to work through its current employers key characteristics on which excellent leadership. Was making learning and teaching a other. That’s why when Frank McLoughlin guise with subject areas and makes sure vocational teaching and learning depend. Over the summer, I was delighted to limiting grade the right decision? The evaluation of the new CIF is a led his commission and came to see What is the FE Commissioner’s learner needs are being met in their “We’ve done an awful lot of different They were firstly, a clear line of sight to be asked to lead the new Education and There was some scepticism out there that very positive story. I’m pleased with the me about how we might work together, relationship with Ofsted going to look broadest sense. type of activity and so next year is about work on all vocational programmes; and Training Foundation’s work to take forward there would be more than one limiting responses providers are giving us — 92 we embarked on this joint project to like? How do you want it to develop? We’ve given information to inspectors consolidating that which has the greatest secondly, ‘dual professional’ teachers and the commission’s recommendations, grade, which would be outcomes, but I per cent of providers are telling us the identify good practice — not good practice Inspection reports have got to speak to so that they’re very clear on what level of impact. trainers who combine occupational and working with Jenny Williams, author of the think our statistics and our inspection inspection has prompted them to make identified by inspectors, but by the sector a number of people and one of them is traineeships are — but that’s publicly English and maths is a very, very clear pedagogical expertise, who are trusted and CAVTL report. results have shown us that teaching is the improvements and has found the right to which inspectors and peers within the the commissioner, so we’ve got to be very available anyway. priority, so I’ve got to continue to focus given the time to develop partnerships and Building on our approach to the prominent grade. judgements, so we’re still getting a high sector would validate jointly. clear in our reports about what it is that We’ve tweaked our handbook that’s to make sure we’ve got the capacity and curricula with employers. Thirdly, access to commission — of working from practice It’s teaching that matters and our grade satisfaction rate from our post inspection That work is coming to a conclusion and we found. also publicly available to make sure we’re the capability to deliver what employers industry-standard facilities and resources to theory — we are keen to learn from the profile supports that. Everybody accepts evaluations. that’s really valuable. I want to continue I see that the commissioner is going to referencing those qualifications and want in terms of a functional English and reflecting the ways in which technology case study examples from the joint Ofsted/ that our focus on teaching, learning and to find ways to work with the sector be a key audience member for our reports, programmes of study that are out there maths. is transforming work; and, finally, clear CAVTL project, to be published later assessment is the right thing to do and is How has Learner View gone? Any plans through the ETF and use the knowledge so I want that relationship to be one that n o w. Another priority is about employers, escalators to higher level vocational this year, as we develop arrangements to driving significant improvements in the to tweak the service? that we have to work with those other they can access our reports very quickly for sure. learning, developing and combining deep support vocational teaching and learning sector. Learner View is being well-used — 67 peers so that together we can go on this and understand exactly what it is that we Last year’s Ofsted annual report was We’ve got to find better, more innovative knowledge and skills. professionals. per cent of providers have got responses journey of improvement. found. critical of the FE and skills sector. Do ways of engaging employers, but there’s What we also noted though, was how Our contribution to the foundation’s from their learners that are publishable. One of my well- Speed is of the essence, but I think it’s you expect that to be the same case this a challenge out to employers as well and much vocational education and training goal — to enhance the professionalism I’ve had more than 63,000 individual worn defence got to be a sensible pace that we work to. year? that’s about them stepping up to the mark practice was inconsistent, “because of the of further education and training — will Everybody responses from learners, but I want to do mechanisms So where we judge a provider to Since last year we’ve changed our name to get much more engaged to be involved requirement to work within a system which be to focus on building on the vocational more with it. is that 50 per be inadequate, pre-September 2012 from Learning and Skills, and from this in the governance of college and other continues to seek to specify so much from expertise that already exists, making it accepts that our On an individual level it’s good for cent of our we would reinspect within six to month it’s further education and skills providers. the centre”. more visible to teachers, trainers and inspectors because we can instantly see inspection eight months, but we’re bringing It’s more reflective of the breadth of There’s a challenge that we need to The commission argued that a key route leaders, to enable it to be adopted and focus on teaching, what people are saying, but it’s not getting team comes reinspections forward to within six what we do. We’ve also really focused be looking at there. I do engage with the to more widespread high quality practice adapted more widely. used enough out there. from the weeks of first inspection. down on the area that last year’s report employers community and often come will involve empowering and trusting Nothing less will do if we are to realise learning and There’s more evaluation that we can sector itself That enables us to judge the said was the weakest, which was teaching, back to them. vocational teachers and trainers to be our collective ambitions to further improve assessment is do of it that would be more beneficial for —they are progress that’s been made. learning and assessment and there we “dual professionals” — to combine their the quality and impact of vocational the sector, particularly with the likes of current That’s going to be a very valuable were coming out with a new CIF that Ofsted not involved in the employer occupational and pedagogical expertise, education and training so that it genuinely right the Education and Training Foundation practitioners. judgement that we make for the focused specifically on that. ownership pilot. Is that indicative build strong partnerships with employers supports individuals, businesses and “ coming in and other membership That’s such commissioner and I’m confident However, for the last two years we really of Ofsted’s future with regards to deliver relevant vocational programmes, communities to grow and succeed. organisations. a valuable they’ll want to see very early on highlighted what the challenges were and involvement in work-based learning and to work together to spread and We want to consult widely as the Thoughts on satisfactory being changed We can do more global analysis of it resource and I want what Ofsted has got to say and then this year we focused our inspections on it. inspection? improve the practice and impact of quality Foundation’s programme develops over to requires improvement? that we can reflect back to the sector. to do more work we’ll continue to do that robust I’m hopeful this year we’re going to be I don’t think it is. We continue to be in vocational teaching and learning. the autumn and will be putting in place a Probably one of the biggest influencers Even though the overall responses from with monitoring — we’ll able to see that providers have responded discussions with the government about We called on partners to “play their range of ways to engage with vocational that the new framework brought. learners, predictably I guess, are high, you do it more well to those uncomfortable challenges Ofsted’s evaluation of the pilots. respective roles in enabling adult vocational education and training partners. We look Everybody will agree that’s a real really can see the differences in each of last year and the year before and I’m It’s important that we do understand teaching and learning to flourish by forward to hearing from the sector and motivator for improvement and I’m really of those questions. hoping we’ll be able to celebrate within better that what the pilots are delivering addressing our recommendations to them”. working with it as we do. pleased that we’ve been able to support The satisfaction ratings always the annual report where providers have their success, or their areas for further One of the recommendations was Dr Fiona McMillan OBE, deputising chief really made a phenomenal difference. development. to Ofsted. 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