Ofsted | Information about adult learning and skills

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The inspection of initial teacher education 2008-2011

A guide for inspectors on the management and organisation of initial teacher education inspections, 2008-2011
Common inspection framework for further education and skills 2009

The document available from this page is a summary of the key features of the full common inspection framework.
A good education for all

Proposals for amended inspection arrangements for maintained schools and academies, further education and skills and initial teacher education from September 2012 – for consultation.

Learning independence

Views of care leavers, students in residential further education and boarders in boarding schools on moving on to independent adult life.
Evaluation schedule for the inspection of residential provision in further education colleges

Guidance and grade descriptors for inspecting residential provision in further education colleges from September 2012.
The framework for inspecting residential provision in further education colleges

This document sets out the framework for the inspection of residential provision in further education colleges in England.

Single equality scheme 2010-13

Ofsted has published its single equality scheme, with the 2010 action plan. The Equality Action Plan 2011-12 was added in August 2011. Our scheme, including the priorities and action plan, has been developed with the involvement and engagement of children and
Learning and skills: May 2012

This update provides inspectors and stakeholders with information and guidance about our inspection work in learning and skills.
Ofsted Audit Committee minutes

Here you will find the minutes from recent Ofsted audit committee meetings.

Schedule for the release of official statistics

This document announces the planned schedule for the release of official statistics by Ofsted.
Official statistics: Learning and skills inspections and outcomes

This page has statistics on the inspection of learning and skills providers in England.
Handbook for the inspection of further education and skills from September 2009

This handbook provides guidance on inspection for inspectors and will be of use to colleges and providers of further education; work-based learning; adult and community learning; and nextstep provision. There is a separate handbook for inspecting judicial services.

Never too old to benefit from learning

16 May 2012

During Adult Learners' Week, which runs till 18 May this year, we pay tribute to colleges, apprenticeships and providers of community and work-based learning that are working hard to help transform lives.
Ofsted’s website: continuing to improve

24 Apr 2012

The results of our website survey during January 2012 have helped us to make further improvements to the site since it was re-launched in July 2011.
Apprentices more likely to succeed if they have completed meaningful work experience

11 Apr 2012

A best practice report on apprenticeships for young people launched by Ofsted today has found that those who had completed work experience, course tasters or vocational study were more likely to make good progress in their apprenticeship than those starting straight from school without it.

'Making a mark' - Not enough pupils develop their creativity through confident drawing - Ofsted

30 Mar 2012

An Ofsted report launched today looking at art, craft and design education in schools and colleges has found that after getting off to a confident early start, pupils’ progress slowed during primary school and was no better than satisfactory at the start of secondary school.
Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCI's speech to ASCL conference sets out plans for more heads to get involved in school inspection

23 Mar 2012

Addressing an audience of headteachers and school leaders at the annual conference of the Association of School and College Leaders in Birmingham today, Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCI paid tribute to the work of heads across the country as he set out his priorities for further improving standards.
Investing in science and engineering

13 Mar 2012

To celebrate National Science and Engineering week between 9 and 18 March, we shine a light on providers that are working hard to inspire future scientists and engineers.

Mastering mathematics

07 Mar 2012

As millions of students around the world celebrate World Maths day today (7 March), we look closer to home where we recently highlighted 20 schools around the country that excel at teaching primary mathematics. We also look at the numeracy needs of adults.
The value of volunteering

20 Feb 2012

With Student Volunteering Week being celebrated this week we look back at an Ofsted survey which found that well-structured volunteering opportunities contribute positively to young people’s personal development and social engagement.
High expectation, no excuses - Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCI outlines changes to Ofsted inspection in drive to deliver a good education for all

09 Feb 2012

Delivering his first major speech since becoming Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCI today launched detailed proposals for changes to Ofsted inspection.

National Apprenticeship Week – celebrating success

07 Feb 2012

This week is National Apprenticeship Week and to celebrate some of the good work of providers offering apprenticeships, Ofsted is highlighting examples of best practice featured in recent survey reports.
'Requires improvement' judgement for the learning and skills sector

25 Jan 2012

Ofsted National Director of Learning and Skills, Matthew Coffey today released a statement on how the ‘requires improvement’ judgement will affect the learning and skills sector.
Volunteering can be beneficial to the most vulnerable youngsters

05 Dec 2011

Marking International Volunteering Day, Ofsted today publishes 'Choosing to volunteer', a survey of what works best in engaging young people in volunteering within schools, colleges and in the community.