Common Inspection Framework

There will be a new revised Common Inspection Framework (CIF) starting from September that is designed to help raise standards, although it will present some challenges to the FE and Skills sector.

The CIF places a strong emphasis on teaching and learning, something we welcome as it is LSIS’s number one priority. Although the CIF has created new challenges for our sector, there is plenty of support available to help you prepare for these changes.

The support on offer from LSIS varies from focused events delivered by Ofsted inspectors, a range of resources and tools to support quality improvement to a new publication produced by Ofsted.

Two Ofsted inspectors will be delivering a series of one-day events in London, York, Bristol and Birmingham between October and March to provide delegates with an explanation and exploration of the new inspection methodology; insights into how inspection is planned and undertaken, and how Ofsted approaches the key grading themes. The event particularly addresses the preparation of the nominee, evaluating the quality of teaching and learning and approaches to self-assessment. As teaching, learning and assessment are essential parts of the revised inspection framework, support is also being offered in observing learning. This will assist in the development of effective practice in observing learning as a strategy to improve teaching, learning and assessment, learner outcomes and the learner experience. Another series of one-day events on self assessment and data are being delivered by LSIS associates aimed at supporting providers to use data strategically to inform a learner-centred approach to quality improvement.

Various resources are also stored in the Excellence Gateway, and a free online course called Prepared for Inspection is available on the LSIS Learning Environment.  Finally, LSIS commissioned an update to the 2008 publication How Colleges Improve which is being updated by Ofsted, and will be available from the end of September. The original version set out to stimulate discussion in the FE and Skills sector about how improvement may best be accelerated and to overcome barriers to change. The revised edition complements and updates the 2008 version, and examines the key factors that contribute to sustained high performance or improvement in colleges. It also considers the factors that impede improvement in colleges judged to be satisfactory, but not improving or declining. For more information about the changes that the CIF will bring and the support available, visit the Excellence Gateway or email enquiries@lsis.org.uk