AoC responds to Ofsted's statement on the Prevention of Future Deaths report

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said:

“It is good to see this response from Sir Martyn Oliver today, and I welcome the promise of transparency and openness to rebuild and strengthen confidence in Ofsted and inspection.

“There is a real strength of feeling right across education and beyond that Ofsted needs to change for the better, and as a sector we all need to be actively engaging with this.

“While a lot of the discussion has been focused on schools, there are very real consequences for colleges when a grade 3 or 4 is given around funding and provision. AoC is in talks with both the government and Ofsted about how those rules can change to support, rather than hinder, colleges to continually improve.

“The Big Listen should provide opportunities for college leaders to share their views on the cultural change needed within Ofsted for the FE sector in 2024/25. I urge all of our members to read both Ofsted and the government’s responses in detail, and feedback back to us so that we can collate a consensus around the proposals made.

“I look forward to meeting with Martyn Oliver over the coming weeks to ensure the voice of colleges is heard and to support him to make the changes in Ofsted which will ensure it is a positive part of quality improvement in the college sector.”