6. Memorandum submitted by
the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Further to the evidence session you held on
12 March 2003 regarding The Work of Ofsted, the Learning and
Skills Council (LSC) is pleased to provide this brief note
which I hope the Committee finds of interest.
1. WORKING FOR
A COMMON
CAUSE
Over the past two years, the LSC and Ofsted
have developed a positive working relationship. Both organisations
share a common commitment to delivering quality and excellence
in further education and training and are working together to
achieve these objectives. This commitment to drive up standards
and participation is reflected in improving learner success rates.
Feedback from a comprehensive survey of over 100,000 learners
also revealed that there was 90% customer satisfaction. Progress
is being made but we recognise there is still much to be done.
2. LOCAL AND
NATIONAL CO-OPERATION
On a practical basis regular liaison meetings
take place between the two organisations addressing a variety
of topics of joint significance. In particular, there is active
co-operation in the planning of Ofsted inspections. There are
also joint working agreements covering pre- and post-inspection
activity.
Ofsted is also developing good working relationships
with the 47 local LSCs, each of which has a link HMI with whom
there are regular meetings. In some regions, an HMI attends the
LSC's quarterly regional quality workshops. The input from Ofsted
to these meetings is much valued.
It has been recognised that some local LSCs
are further advanced than others in the development of these relationships
but all welcome the opportunity for regular contact with the inspectorate.
The development and implementation of local LSC strategic plans
will provide a further benchmark for dialogue and measurement
of progress.
3. INSPECTIONS
AS A
CATALYST FOR
CHANGE
Inspections are, of course, a crucial tool for
ensuring that provision is meeting the individual needs of those
participating in further education and the strategic needs of
the UK economy. Through its own performance review mechanism the
LSC provides Ofsted with information on which colleges are causing
concern in terms of quality and management. There is, then, close
cooperation between the LSC and Ofsted to improve colleges who
are judged inadequate, particularly to ensure that post-inspection
action plans target the key areas for improvement. Ofsted and
LSC work closely during the implementation of plans, and Ofsted's
monitoring reports after college re-inspection visits are used
by local LSCs to direct support.
The LSC values Ofsted's work in conducting area-wide
inspection in which they work closely with the local LSCs. The
outcome of the inspections and the associated action plans are
instrumental in developing more strategic, coordinated provision
for 16-19 year olds in the areas inspected.
MEETING EVERYONE'S
NEEDS
The LSC has regular meetings with Ofsted regarding
specialist colleges for learners with learning difficulties and/or
disabilities and welcomes the input provided by Ofsted on the
issues associated with these colleges and their resolution.
Ofsted provided speakers for a recent event
for managers from local LSCs to prepare them to provide pre- and
post-inspection support for their specialist colleges. This is
just one example where Ofsted has supported LSC organised events
for staff and providers. Another recent example was an event for
managers from local LSCs to help them prepare for area-wide inspections.
The LSC is grateful for the support provided by Ofsted for these
and other similar events.
CONCLUSION
The LSC and Ofsted are partners in delivering
the Government's education and skills agenda. The LSC welcomes
the productive working arrangements that have been developed thus
far and looks forward to strengthening and improving these ties
in the future.
If the Committee would like any further information
we would be delighted to provide assistance.
March 2003
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