This page describes the current action planning procedure and the rationale behind the 2003 changes.

Procedure

The current post-Ofsted action planning procedure was implemented on 1 September 2003. It reflects the differentiated approach of the new Ofsted inspection framework for 2003-06. Providers of initial teacher training (ITT) whose courses are rated as 'very good' or 'good' (cell grades 1 or 2) are expected to respond to the outcomes of their inspections within the context of their institutional quality assurance procedures. Ofsted will expect to see this reflected in subsequent inspections.

Support for post-Ofsted action planning is targeted at ITT providers with cell grade outcomes of either 3 or 4:

• The TDA does not request an action plan from ITT providers receiving a combination of grade 1 and 2, or all grade 2, inspection outcomes.
• The TDA does not request an action plan from ITT providers undergoing primary/secondary short inspections whose quality is confirmed.
• The TDA does not request an action plan from ITT providers undergoing primary/secondary short inspections whose quality is not confirmed, until a full report is published.
• The TDA does request an action plan from ITT providers receiving grade 3 or 4 inspection outcomes in any cell in September based on Ofsted draft, final reports.

See flowchart of the new procedure subsection for further details.

Rationale for the changes to the post-Ofsted action planning procedure in 2003

The new procedure was designed in consultation with Ofsted as well as designated recommending bodies (DRB), school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) and higher education institution (HEI) providers. Model C of the three possible models for the new procedure was selected. The previous post-Ofsted action planning procedure was evaluated and it was concluded that any new procedure should:

• draw on the strengths of the existing model
• reflect the spirit of the new Ofsted inspection framework, being 'light touch' and reflect the differentiated programme of the new Ofsted inspection cycle and ITT reports 2002/03
• allow ITT providers to demonstrate that they have responded effectively to the issues identified in the course of their Ofsted inspections
• offer sufficient flexibility to enable ITT providers to manage action planning in the context of the quality and assurance arrangements in their own institution
• be integrated wherever possible with other quality assurance mechanisms, notably the reports from external examiners, and contribute to a broader approach to quality enhancement and improvement planning
• be designed so that interventions are timely and planning is dynamic, ensuring action plans are less retrospective and therefore likely to have a greater impact on improvement and reduce administrative and bureaucratic burdens
• recognise and positively reinforce ongoing, internal quality assurance procedures and self-evaluation carried out by ITT providers.

See downloads for Three possible models for the new procedure (PDF) and HEI consultation (PDF)