It seems to me, as a retired full-time inspector for the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC), that Ofsted is merely continuing its aggressive and confrontational approach to education providers (Ofsted’s new school report card worse than old system, say headteachers, 3 February). Its inspection and grading system lacks any focus or reference to supported and guided development.
The FEFC used a five-grade system, with satisfactory being three out of five. Inspection covered cross-college issues and day-to-day teaching and management. Every sixth-form college and FE college was supported by a nominated full-time FEFC inspector, visiting at least once a term. The visits would focus on issues of concern to the college or the inspectorate.
