We hope that that if you are already on your Easter break, you are having some well-earned rest and relaxation and that those of you who still have a day to go are looking forward to some sunshine and chocolate.
You may already be aware of the survey which was disseminated to providers by Ofsted’s research team. You may also be aware that this has been somewhat controversial, sparking a debate across social media.
The ITE External Advisory Group met with the research team last Friday and shared with them many of the concerns felt by the sector. That group includes a wide range of individual providers from across the sector as well as myself and James Noble-Rogers from UCET as sector representatives. The research team were receptive to our feedback and at pains to try and allay some of the concerns that had arisen. In response to that consultative process, they have made some amendments to the survey – removing some of the more contentious questions and aiming to keep the survey as open-ended as possible.
Whilst they, and we, recognise that the questions may still not be perfect, there is a clear desire for the team to work with the sector to ensure that the research is as fair, value-free and open as possible. The research team have also extended the deadline for completion of the surveys to the 29th April 2019 in response to our feedback that the timing of these falling over the Easter break is far from ideal.
Below are the links to the revised surveys. Please be reassured that the purpose of these are for research only and will not be used for the purposes of inspection. Please also note that completion of the surveys is entirely discretionary. Our recommendation is that you do consider providing a response as it is only through open dialogue and engagement with research that the voice of the sector can be heard and taken into consideration as the new framework is constructed.
In order to supplement the survey responses, Ofsted are keen to form a focus group from among our membership and we will shortly be disseminating details of this for those of you who are interested in contributing to this.
ITE Provider Questionnaire – Early Years (amended)
ITE Provider Questionnaire – Primary (amended)
ITE Provider Questionnaire – Secondary (amended)
ITE Provider Questionnaire – ITE in FE (amended)
ITE Trainee Questionnaire- Amended