Area inspection framework : a supplement to the Common inspection framework

Abstract

The main purposes of area inspections are:
 - to give an independent public account of the standards achieved, the quality of provision and the efficiency and effectiveness with which education and training are planned and managed across an area to meet the needs of learners and employers 
 - to keep the Secretary of State for Education and Skills informed of the standards and quality of education and training, of the effectiveness of strategic planning across an area and of whether the provision made provides value for money 
 - to identify key issues for action and evaluate the effectiveness of measures to bring about improvement. -
 The following principles apply to all inspection activities carried out by or on behalf of Ofsted. They are intended to ensure that:
 - the findings of inspection contribute to improvement 
 - the process of inspection promotes inclusion
 - inspection is carried out openly with those being inspected
 - the findings of inspection are valid, reliable and consistent.