This study explores the impact of the further education and skills (FES) sector's key external accountability lever provided by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspections and its Education Inspection Framework (EIF), judging colleges and other providers' performance. Ofsted has been under increased scrutiny over the last few years and has had increased pressure to review and change their practices due to criticism concerning their high stakes, high stress approach. Ofsted have recently undertaken the 'Big Listen' consultation to review their practices and act in the best interest of the sector. The government has also recently introduced changes to how Ofsted will operate in schools.
The study explores the views of stakeholders (tutors, lecturers, teachers, governors, middle managers, vice principals, deputy principals, and principals) working in general further education colleges, sixth form colleges (SFC), land-based colleges, art, design and performing arts colleges, and institutes of adult learning (formerly specialist designated colleges) about Ofsted inspection in their institution. The findings of the survey and the interviews are integrated according to the following themes: (1) the positive and negative impacts of Ofsted inspections in FES, where 'impacts' refer to noticeable effects, changes, transformations or influences identified by stakeholders; (2) the strengths and weaknesses of Ofsted's EIF identified by stakeholders; and (3) the recommendations for improving Ofsted inspections in FES articulated by participants according to their experiences.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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