What we inspect – Independent specialist colleges

This handbook sets out what inspectors need to consider when evaluating the five inspection areas in further education colleges. It explains ‘What we inspect’. It should be read in conjunction with the document ‘How we inspect’, which sets out our approach to inspection in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidance is essential reading for reporting inspectors and all other members of the inspection team, including the nominee. It may also be useful for colleges to support their understanding of the inspection guidance. There is a separate handbook that explains the inspection process and methodology, ‘How we inspect’.

The five inspection areas are set out below.

Inspection areas

IA1 – Learning

• 1.1 Standards and progress in learning and skills

IA2 – Well-being and attitudes to learning

• 2.1 Well-being
• 2.2 Attitudes to learning

IA3 – Teaching and learning experiences

• 3.1 The breadth, balance and appropriateness of the curriculum
• 3.2 The quality of teaching and assessment

IA4 – Care, support and guidance

• 4.1 Personal development
• 4.2 Safeguarding

IA5 – Leadership and management

• 5.1 Quality and effectiveness of leaders and managers
• 5.2 Self-evaluation processes and improvement planning
• 5.3 Professional learning