Training for Learning and Skills Inspection nominees
The new Ofsted inspection arrangements place significant importance on the role of the college or provider nominee both in preparing for inspection and acting as the college or provider representative during the inspection itself.
The new 'short notice' inspection regime means there is seldom time for nominees to obtain the necessary information nor plan training before the inspection, so it is imperative that colleges and providers plan ahead to ensure that their nominees – including a “back up” nominee in case of sickness or holidays - attend suitable training well in advance of a possible inspection.
This one day workshop is designed to provide just such training.
Please note that the workshop is developed and delivered by Excellence in Learning. It is not an official Ofsted event. Where official Ofsted Nominee Training is available we would recommend attendance at both as content emphasis can differ.
Providers looking for good inspection results cannot afford to compromise on their choice of Nominee nor the training that Nominee receives. For example, one of, if not THE key role of the Nominee, is to ensure that the inspection result accurately reflects the quality of provision. This often requires the Nominee to question and, where appropriate, challenge Inspector findings and judgements and to present alternative evidence; however, because aggressive or incorrect challenges could cause more harm than good, it is imperative that Nominees understand how to handle their role correctly.
The workshop is led by a very experienced learning and skills inspector with an in-depth understanding of the current inspection processes, inspection framework and Ofsted Handbooks who can really clarify how nominees ensure they are effective in role.
For Whom
This intensive one day workshop will be of interest to anyone who may potentially act as nominee on an Ofsted Learning and Skills Inspection or who may represent their organisation locally on a regional or national inspection. It is suitable for personnel from all organisations subject to inspection by Learning and Skills Directorate of Ofsted. This includes WBL and ACL providers as well as those with responsibility or potential responsibility as nominees within FE and 6th form colleges.
Please note: DWP contracts are no longer subject to Ofsted Inspection.
Dance and Drama Award Inspections - final detail on approach to inspection is not yet available but initial indications suggest this workshop will offer benefit to DaDa providers
Aims and Objectives
As a result of this workshop delegates will better: -
- Understand the revised Ofsted inspection Framework and arrangements
- Understand the critical role of the nominee on inspection
- Be able to prepare themselves, their organisation and their staff for inspection
- Understand what data and other information is required for inspection and why
- Understand what inspectors are looking for on safeguarding and E & D
- Understand how inspectors evaluate outcomes for learners
- Understand how Ofsted will evaluate teaching, learning and other provider activities
Content
Morning
The morning session looks at the Common Inspection Framework and the Ofsted Inspection Handbooks. It also covers in detail the role of the nominee from the initial notification of inspection through to the final judgements and conclusion of the inspection.
This session also explores in some detail the responsibility of the Nominee to challenge, where appropriate, in a robust, yet courteous manner, all findings and judgements they consider incorrect. This is one of the pivotal roles of the Nominee and one that can make real differences to grading decisions - but only where the challenge is made in a professional and informed manner. It is essential that all nominees clearly understand what works, what does not and the harm frequent and weak challenges can cause.
The morning session includes:
- The new Ofsted CIF (January 2010) and new Inspection Handbooks
- The role and responsibilities of the nominee prior to inspection
- Inspection timeline from notification to inspection proper
- Examples of inspection timetables and meetings
- Key Ofsted documents used during inspection
- The critical role of the nominee during inspection, including
- challenging judgements where appropriate
- providing alternative supporting evidence
Afternoon
The afternoon focuses on giving delegates information on inspection arrangements. There will be practical checklists and tips on how to help prepare all parties for inspection, including:
- The Organisation
- The Staff
- The Employers
- The Learners
There will also be detailed guidance on ways to ensure that inspectors have access to all the key information they need and how to present it in an organised and systematic manner.
Careful preparation and presentation of relevant documentation from the provider has become even more important in the most recent style of inspection process. Information and data is needed from the first telephone conversation or meeting with the lead Inspector. The benefits of knowing what is required and how to present it effectively should not be underestimated
Content for the afternoon Includes:
- The inspection regime - myths and realities!
- How to prepare your organisation for inspection
- Pre Inspection data and other information
- The role of provider staff during inspection
- Tips for Inspection success
- An opportunity to raise any questions, queries or concerns with an experienced inspector.
Related Inspection Workshops
- Inspection Nominee Training
- Quality Improvement Planning - Maximising Effectiveness
- Robust Self Assessment for BEGINNERS (Sept 2009 CIF)
- Robust Self Assessment for the EXPERIENCED (Sept 2009 CIF)
- Succeeding at Ofsted Inspection under the 2009 CIF and CES
Certificates of Professional Development.
Formal Certificates of Development will be issued, by post, to participants who complete this workshop. These certificates will detail the key learning aims and the face-to-face learning hours undertaken, enabling participants to update their CPD records and logs accordingly. The workshop also allows time, during the day, for participants to reflect on and record their personal learning development and consider how best to apply the knowledge gained on return to work. This element of the programme is designed to maximise the benefits from attending and enable participants to make better review judgments when recording their CPD activities.