Partnership in ISCs and examples of good practice

Sue Preece HMI February 10th 2010

Common Inspection Framework

The Common Inspection Framework 2009 provides inspectors with a structure for gathering evidence and reporting which is common to all Ofsted’s inspection and regulation activity, thereby promoting greater coherence and opportunity for collaboration across inspection remits

Clearly acknowledged by all that well planned and rigorously monitored partnership working with other providers, schools, community groups, organisations, local networks, employers, local and health authorities, etc……………. promotes quality improvement!

Common Inspection Framework

Successful partnerships & collaboration can permeate and support all aspects of the CIF

Overall effectiveness Capacity for improvement A. Outcomes for learners B. Quality of provision C. Leadership and management

Common Inspection Framework

B3. How effectively does the provider use partnerships to develop its provision to meet learners’ needs?

When responding to this in your SAR you should follow the guidance as this is what inspectors will be looking for:

Common Inspection Framework Inspection Handbook

how partnerships with schools, employers, community groups and others enable learners to develop new skills, gain knowledge and qualifications, increase self-esteem and become better citizens

the involvement of schools, community groups and employers in the design, review and evaluation of the provision

the providers’ response to government policies and initiatives for lifelong learning in order to meet the needs of its stakeholders

Common Inspection Framework Inspection Handbook

the range and extent of access to education and training for all, including those under-represented in learning

the development of learning programmes with schools, local authorities and others, to encourage participation by young people who are at risk of leaving, or who are NEETS

the extent to which the range and content of learning programmes/services are relevant to local communities, ensuring the provision is coherent, lacks duplication but maintains the provision of minority subjects and courses through the sharing of human and physical resources.

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Five published Ofsted ISC inspections to date

Two awaiting publication

One Estyn inspection report

Of the five published reports OE grades are:

2 Outstanding

1 Good

2 Satisfactory

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Outstanding and good providers Excellent partnerships with local schools, colleges and

arts organisations benefit learners by providing increased opportunities for social interaction and participation in the community. These links also provide highly effective support and training for staff.

Excellent local partnerships successfully contribute to the outstanding achievement of all learners gaining sustained sheltered employment and independent living. The use of robust follow-up destination data demonstrates that these sheltered employment placements are sustained over time.

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Outstanding and good providers Productive partnerships with local groups have

resulted in an increase in practical learning environments and work experience placements. They have been essential in developing the range of enrichment activities.

Learners greatly benefit from the outstanding partnerships and excellent range of curriculum activities on offer. These include many work experience opportunities that also successfully promote learners’ good development of social, personal and communication skills.

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Outstanding and good providers The college has strengthened links with local employers and

has been actively involved in establishing a centre of excellence in teacher training in the area of autism. As a result learners deliver awareness training in autism to other organisations.

The college has close and effective relations with local schools with specialist units to offer flexible programmes that ease the transition for learners with autism into mainstream provision.

The learners’ involvement in the local community is strong and has been effectively increased by regular visits to local authority and homes run by charities which also involve return visits by the tenants to to pursue handicraft activities and social interaction.

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Outstanding and good providers The college has also developed close and very effective

partnership arrangements aimed at improved quality assurance with other independent specialist colleges

Productive partnerships with local groups been essential in developing the range of enrichment activities.

Partnership working is outstanding and a major strength of the college. Its links with other educational partners has led to better outcomes for learners with improved transition into general FE colleges and access to a wide range of work experience opportunities.

Partnerships and links to ISC inspection outcomes from September 2009 onwards

Satisfactory providers

The inspection reports from satisfactory ISCs did not include any significant comments upon the quality of their partnerships.

Benefits of partnerships

Impact on learners

opportunities for social interaction & community participation

further development of social personal and communication skills

wider curriculum offer, wider range of programmes

increased access to national awards & improved achievements

enhanced enrichment activities

improved transition arrangements

increased work experience placements

opportunities for long term sheltered housing / employment

opportunities to gain independent living skills in context

Benefits of partnerships

Impact on staff

improved access to staff training and qualifications

access to a range of resources and facilities

improved job satisfaction

reduced isolation

opportunities to share and learn from best practice

Benefits of partnerships

Impact on college

improved self-assessment processes

better involvement with the community

more rigorous quality improvement systems

much more open, outward facing organization willing to share expertise and learn from others as necessary

Etc………

SURVIVAL!