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This page explains how we inspect colleges.
How we inspect colleges
Use the links below to find out more about how we inspect colleges.
These sections refer to inspections conducted from September 2005 according to the revised Common Inspection Framework. More detailed procedures can be found in the draft Handbook for Inspecting Colleges (see links below). A final version of the handbook will produced in the light of early inspection practice and is likely to be published in late February 2006.
- What is a college inspection?
- Why do we have college inspections?
- When do inspections take place?
- How are parents involved?
- What happens in a college inspection?
- What are the results of a college inspection?
- How do I get a report?
- How do I complain about a college inspection?
- What is our code of conduct for inspectors?
What is a college inspection?
A college inspection is a process of evidence gathering to evaluate the effectiveness of the college in supporting the learning and achievement of students. The emphasis is on judging the degree to which rigorous self-assessment leads to quality improvement in the college.
Why do we have college inspections?
The Learning and Skills Act 2000 extended Ofsted's remit to include the inspection of education in colleges of further education and sixth form colleges from April 2001. In the case of further education colleges, this responsibility is shared with the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI). ALI primarily inspects work based training and adult education whilst Ofsted's main interest is in the performance of 16–19 learners. College inspections provide an independent public account of the quality of the education and training and standards achieved in the post-16 education sector.
When do inspections take place?
The frequency and timing of inspections are linked to the past performance of a college and the outcomes of annual assessment visits (AAVs). The very best performing colleges are unlikely to be subject to a full inspection in the current cycle (September 2005 – May 2009) providing the standards reached remain outstanding, as confirmed through AAVs. Those colleges graded inadequate are subject to a full re-inspection within two years of this judgment being reached. Those colleges averaging good or better grades in the previous inspection are likely to subject to a ‘light touch’ inspection with a small team of four inspectors. The AAV outcomes may determine the timing of an inspection. Those colleges where concerns about performance are expressed will be inspected sooner in the cycle; those with few concerns may have their inspection moved to a later date. All colleges are subject to much shorter notice of inspection which is normally three weeks. Where the Adult Learning Inspectorate wishes to inspect new provision in areas such as adult and community learning, job centre plus, employer training pilots or work based learning, slightly longer notice may be given in order that these aspects can be covered prior to the main inspection week.
How are parents involved?
As the majority of post 16 learners are adults, parents are not explicitly invited into the inspection process for colleges in the same way they are for schools. The inspectors may meet with a number of different stakeholders, including employers, and students individually and in groups to find out their views of the college. They also review the progress of students formally through lesson observation and examination of their portfolios.
What happens in a college inspection?
A team of inspectors under the guidance of a Lead Inspector (LI) spend time in and beyond the college observing lessons and employer based training, evaluating learners' work and their achievements as well as talking with students, teaching staff, managers, governors, employees and, where appropriate parents. A particular focus in the new cycle is for inspectors to judge the accuracy of the college's view about the quality of provision as expressed in its self-assessment report. A separate published grade for ‘capacity to improve’ will judge the effectiveness of self-assessment in leading to quality improvement through the impact of targeted action planning. The Common Inspection Framework is used to answer the following questions.
- How effective and efficient are the provision and related services in meeting the full range of learners' needs and why?
- What steps need to be taken to improve the provision further?
- How well do learners achieve?
- How effective are teaching, training and learning?
- How well do the programmes and courses meet the needs and interests of learners?
- How well are learners guided and supported?
- How effective are leadership and management in raising achievement and supporting all learners?
All college inspections, except those making provision solely for adults, will contribute to the Joint Area Reviews which will be carried out in every local authority area in England over a three-year period. These reviews will evaluate the extent to which for each area the following five outcomes for children and young people are being met.
- Being healthy
- Staying safe
- Enjoying and achieving
- Making a positive contribution
- Achieving economic well-being
What are the results of a college inspection?
The inspection results in a report which includes judgments about the college as a whole (effectiveness) as well as judgments about the different aspects of provision (achievement and standards, quality of provision, leadership and management). Where colleges are categorised as satisfactory or inadequate, additional grades will be provided for a sample of curriculum areas inspected. Published reports identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. The summary judgments and those for curriculum areas are made on a four point scale.
- Grade 1 –
- Outstanding
- Grade 2 –
- Good
- Grade 3 –
- Satisfactory
- Grade 4 –
- Inadequate
In making their judgments, inspectors will be evaluating the evidence gathered against the criteria given in the Handbook for Inspecting Colleges. These describe the characteristics of provision at different grades.
How do I get a report?
Reports can be obtained from this website or from the college itself. In the new cycle, inspection reports are designed to be shorter and more concise for those colleges subject to a ‘light touch’ inspection. They will be more detailed and include curriculum sections for satisfactory and inadequate colleges.
How do I complain about a college inspection?
The complaints process is focused on the college as the aggrieved party. There are two types of complaint that can be taken through the Ofsted complaints procedure. However before making an official complaint the issue should be raised with the Reporting Inspector who will attempt to resolve the issue – see also the guidance available via the related publications box on the right-hand side.
| Complaint | Action |
|---|---|
| Request for internal review | – College must be able to demonstrate that the inspection team neglected material evidence which was presented to the inspection team. – College must make its request within 20 working days of receiving formal feedback. – Manager of Ofsted Post-16 Division (PSD) considers grounds for complaint. – Where the grounds are accepted, an assistant divisional manager from PSD, or an equivalent from ALI if it led the inspection, will consider the evidence. – Ofsted responds within 20 working days of request by college. |
| Complaint against the conduct of the inspection or the conduct of an inspector |
– College must state grounds for complaint in writing and provide written evidence on the claimed effect on the inspection judgement. – College must make its request within 20 working days of receiving formal feedback. – Complaint will be investigated by an assistant divisional manager from PSD who is unconnected with the original inspection, or an equivalent from ALI if it led the inspection. – Ofsted will respond within 20 working days of receiving a complaint. |
| Appeals | If a college is dissatisfied with the outcome of either complaints process it can request Her Majesty's Chief Inspector to undertake a further review. The final appeal is to the independent complaints adjudicator for Ofsted and ALI. The adjudicator can only rule on the conduct of the inspectorate's staff, implementation of inspection procedures, maladministration, the quality of response to the college or the management of a complaint, not on the validity of the inspectors' judgements. |
Our code of conduct for inspectors
Inspectors must uphold the highest professional standards in their work, and ensure that staff of the provider are treated fairly and benefit from their inspection. These standards are ensured through a code of conduct for inspectors.
The code of conduct requires inspectors to
- evaluate objectively, be impartial and have no connection with the provider which could undermine their objectivity.
- report honestly, ensuring that judgements are fair and reliable
- carry out their work with integrity, treating all those they meet with courtesy and sensitivity
- do all they can to minimise the stress on those involved in the inspection, and act with their best interests and well-being as priorities
- maintain purposeful and productive dialogue with those being inspected, and communicate judgements clearly and frankly
- respect the confidentiality of information, particularly about individuals and their work
Providers should be courteous and helpful to inspectors.