Teenage mental health

The Ofsted 2015 inspection framework has an increased focus on safeguarding, supporting vulnerable learners and meeting individual learner needs. Do tutors know that it’s likely that at least three students in a class of 30 will have a mental health difficulty? Are student services staff clear on how best to support learners with mental health difficulties into learning? Do tutors know how to provide effective support for learners experiencing these difficulties?

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How are you creating resilience to extremism and radicalisation?

In part, leaders help to create resilience to extremism and radicalisation by providing safe spaces for staff and students to discuss topical, and at times sensitive and contentious issues. Ofsted has made clear their expectations that good and outstanding colleges will actively look for opportunities to have these controversial discussions. How does your practice shape up?

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Promoting fundamental British values – are you taking a whole-college approach?

Under the 2015 inspection framework, Ofsted will evaluate how well colleges actively promote Fundamental British Values (FBV) and prepare learners for life in modern Britain. Outstanding colleges are expected to place British values ‘at the heart’ of all that they do. Are you confident that your work on promoting British values will be judged outstanding?

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Inspecting special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision – how will yours shape up?

How well do you identify and meet the needs of students with special educational needs – those with and those without education, health and care (EHC) plans? Are you using your ‘best endeavours’ to identify and meet the needs of these young people? Did you know that a new form of inspection begins in May 2016?

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Integrating and promoting equality, diversity and British values – how do they feature in the 2015 inspection framework?

The new 2015 FE and Skills inspection handbook has been published – are you and your staff clear on the extent to which equality, diversity and British values features in the new framework? Here are four things to be aware of

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